New Delhi (National Times): The Supreme Court has come down hard on BJP leader and Madhya Pradesh Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah, rejecting his apology for calling Colonel Sofiya Qureshi a “sister of terrorists” and ordering a high-level probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
The apex court said Shah’s apology was nothing but an insincere attempt to escape legal action. “We don’t require your apology. It’s crocodile tears,” Justice Surya Kant said during a scathing observation, adding that the “entire nation is ashamed” of the remarks.
The SIT will consist of three senior IPS officers from outside Madhya Pradesh, including at least one woman officer. The team must be formed by 10 AM on Tuesday, and it will be led by an IGP-ranked officer. The Court has asked the team to submit a status report soon, with the next hearing scheduled for May 28.
While Shah’s arrest has been stayed for now, he must fully cooperate with the investigation, the Court said. The case originated from a suo motu order by the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which was dissatisfied with how the initial FIR against Shah was handled.
Justice Kant also slammed the state’s inaction: “What have you done? When the High Court had to step in and re-write your FIR, it shows the seriousness of the lapse.”
Shah’s controversial comments had sparked outrage nationwide, especially from military veterans and civil rights groups. Justice Kant further commented, “You were at the edge of using even filthier language, but something held you back. This is a matter of honor for our Armed Forces.”
The Supreme Court’s move to bring in a neutral SIT indicates that it will maintain a close watch over how the sensitive case unfolds — even if it does not plan to formally monitor the investigation.
