Crocodile Tears : SC Raps MP Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah For Remarks against Col. Sophia Qureshi, rejects apology, Orders SIT probe
The apex court on Monday rapped Madhya Pradesh Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his remarks on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. The top court also questioned the apology issued by the minister and said that the word ‘apology’ has a meaning. The court refused to accept the apology and ordered the state government to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the matter.
“The nature of this matter…we are carrying the video clips…we would like to see what kind of apology you have tendered…there is a meaning of the word ‘apology’…sometimes only to wriggle out of consequences…sometimes crocodile tears…what sort is yours?” Justice Surya Kant said.
“You are a public figure. A seasoned politician. You should weigh your words when you speak. We should display your video here… This is an important issue for the armed Forces. We need to be very responsible,” the top court said, adding that Shah should have been careful before making ‘crass’ remarks. “The entire nation is shamed by the minister’s statement, the apex court said, instructing Vijay Shah to redeem himself through a genuine apology or appropriate expression of regret. “We are proud of our Army…it is an emotive issue,” the court said. “Sentiments of citizens are brutally hurt,” it added.
The court also asked what actions the MP government has taken after the FIR was registered following instructions from the High Court. “Why has the state not acted?” the Supreme Court asked, adding that, it wants to see the SIT consisting of three senior IPS officers, including a woman officer, to probe the FIR against the minister. The SIT has been asked to submit a status report by May 28.
During the last hearing on Thursday, the Supreme Court slammed the minister and said that a minister is expected “to speak with responsibility.”
Case background
MP Minister Vijay Shah stoked a controversy for making objectionable remarks on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. At a public event in Indore, Shah made a controversial statement without naming Colonel Qureshi. In a video that went viral Vijay Shah was purportedly heard saying,”Jinhone humari betiyon ke sindoor ujade the… humne unhiki behen bhej kar ke unki aisi ki taisi karwayi (those who wiped sindoor (vermilion) off our daughters’ forehead… we sent their sister to teach them a lesson)”. After the matter became serious, Shah said that he was ready to apologise ten times if anyone was hurt. He said that he respected Colonel Qureshi more than his own sister. According to PTI, an FIR was registered at the Manpur Police station against Shah.
The FIR was registered under sections 152 (an act endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India), 196 (1) (B) (an act having an adverse effect on the mutual harmony between different communities, which causes or is likely to cause a breach of public peace) and 197 (1) (C) (speaking about a member of a community, which has an adverse effect on the mutual harmony between different communities). Notably, Colonel Qureshi had shared details of Operation Sindoor launched by the Indian Armed Forces at press conferences along with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh.