The Supreme Court has rejected Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah's apology over his derogatory and communal remarks for a woman military officer and ordered that a new three-member team of IPS officers would now probe the case against him. The court rebuked the minister again for his "crass comments," with Justice Surya Kant asserting he did not offer a sincere apology.
"What is that apology? What kind of apology have you tendered? There is some meaning of apology. Sometimes people use docile language only to wriggle out of proceedings, and sometimes they shed crocodile tears. What kind of apology is yours? You want to give the impression that the court had asked you to apologise. What prevented you from making a sincere apology for your crass comments till now?" said Justice Surya Kant.
The judge said the minister should have been sensible since it was an "emotive issue" for the armed forces.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT), comprising three IPS officers, should be formed by Tuesday morning to investigate the case against the minister, the court said, adding that it must have a woman officer and submit its report by May 28.
It provided Mr Shah relief from arrest but asserted that he "must face consequences". Asserting that action should have been taken against the minister, the court issued a notice to the Madhya Pradesh government. "We would like to have a close watch. It's a litmus test for you," the court told the government.
Vijay Shah's Remarks
After India struck terror camps across the border as part of Operation Sindoor, Mr Shah had said in a public speech that a woman from the "same community" as those living in Pakistan had been sent to strip the country naked.
He had shockingly referred to Col Qureshi as the "sister of the terrorists".
"You widowed sisters of our community, so a sister of your community will strip you naked. (Prime Minister) Modi ji proved that the daughters of your community can be sent to Pakistan to take revenge," the minister had said.
Though he did not name anyone, his remarks were seen as being directed towards Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who was one of the faces of the armed forces during the Op Sindoor briefings. This had sparked a massive political storm, drawing criticism from the Opposition parties, military veterans, and even some BJP members.
What Court Said Earlier
Taking suo motu cognisance of the matter, the Madhya Pradesh High Court had lashed out at Mr Shah for using "language of the gutters" and ordered an FIR against the leader.
"The armed forces, perhaps the last institution existing in this country, reflecting integrity, industry, discipline, sacrifice, selflessness, character, honour and indomitable courage... has been targeted by Mr Vijay Shah who has used the language of the gutters against Col Sofia Quraishi," the court had said in a sharply worded observation, stating that there could be no doubt about who he was referring to.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court said the remark was unacceptable and insensitive, with Chief Justice of India BR Gavai calling on those occupying constitutional positions to exercise restraint while giving a speech.
He had then asked Mr Shah to apologise to Colonel Qureshi.
Vijay Shah had initially said that his remark was being taken out of context, but later offered to "apologise ten times".
"Sister Sofiya has brought glory to India by rising above caste and religion...We cannot even think of insulting her in our dreams. Still, if my words have hurt society and religion, then I am ready to apologise ten times," he had said.
