Supreme Court Rejects BJP Minister’s Apology, Orders SIT Probe in Colonel Sofiya Qureshi Remarks Case
New Delhi, May 19, 2025 – The Supreme Court of India today dismissed the apology tendered by Madhya Pradesh Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his derogatory remarks against Indian Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, describing it as insincere and an “attempt to wriggle out of consequences.” The court ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the First Information Report (FIR) filed against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) minister, escalating the controversy that has sparked nationwide outrage.
The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh, sharply criticized Shah’s comments, labeling them “filthy, crass, and shameful.” The remarks, made during a public speech, referred to Colonel Qureshi—who represented India in media briefings for Operation Sindoor—as a “sister of terrorists” and included communal and gendered slurs. The court expressed dismay at the minister’s conduct, with Justice Kant questioning the sincerity of Shah’s apology, stating, “What kind of apology is yours? Sometimes people use docile language only to wriggle out of proceedings! Sometimes they shed crocodile tears!”
Shah had issued a public apology on May 14, 2025, via a video posted on his official X account, calling Colonel Qureshi the “nation’s sister” and claiming his remarks were misinterpreted. He reiterated his regret, stating, “I am ready to apologize ten times,” citing his family’s military background and distress over a recent terror attack in Pahalgam. However, the Supreme Court found the apology lacking, noting that it failed to address the gravity of the offense.
The court directed the formation of an SIT comprising three senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, including one woman officer, none of whom should be from Madhya Pradesh. This team will investigate the FIR registered against Shah under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to endangering national unity, promoting enmity, and making imputations prejudicial to national integration. While ordering the probe, the court stayed Shah’s arrest, providing temporary relief to the minister.
The controversy began when Shah, speaking at a government event, linked Colonel Qureshi’s role in Operation Sindoor—a military response to a terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people—to her community, claiming Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sent “a sister from their community” to “teach them a lesson.” The remarks drew immediate condemnation from opposition parties, military veterans, and the public, prompting the Madhya Pradesh High Court to order an FIR for hate speech on May 14, 2025.
On May 15, Shah approached the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the FIR and related proceedings, represented by Senior Advocate Vibha Makhija. However, Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai refused interim relief, emphasizing that a minister is expected to speak with responsibility. “Every sentence uttered by a minister has to be with restraint,” the CJI remarked, directing Shah to approach the high court. The Supreme Court’s latest ruling underscores its stance against inflammatory rhetoric, particularly from public officials.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court had previously criticized the state police for drafting the FIR in a manner that appeared designed to be quashed, noting the absence of material constituting a cognizable offense. Despite Shah’s unconditional apology, the high court deemed his remarks “disparaging and dangerous,” reinforcing the need for accountability.
Posts on X reflected public sentiment, with users highlighting the Supreme Court’s rejection of Shah’s apology and the formation of the SIT. The decision has fueled discussions on the accountability of public figures and the need for respectful discourse, especially concerning military personnel.
As the SIT probe begins, the case continues to draw attention to the responsibilities of elected officials and the judiciary’s role in upholding dignity and national unity. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, widely respected for her service, remains at the center of this debate, with the nation watching closely for the outcome of the investigation.