The Supreme Court slammed Cabinet Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah on Monday over his controversial remarks against Indian Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who had recently briefed the media about Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan.
The top court also asked MP DGP to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) by Tuesday 10 am to thoroughly probe the matter. The SIT will comprise three senior IPS officers, including a woman officer, all appointed from outside Madhya Pradesh to ensure an impartial and unbiased investigation into Shah’s objectionable comments.
Moreover, the top court made it clear that it is not prepared to accept the apology offered by the minister, emphasizing the seriousness of the matter.
“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 bench said, noting the need for sensitivity when discussing matters related to the military.
"We saw your videos, you were on verge of using filthy language," it added.
This strong rebuke came after Shah, who had called Colonel Qureshi a "sister of terrorists," sought interim relief from the Supreme Court on May 15 to stay an FIR registered against him. The FIR followed suo motu cognizance by the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which directed police to register a case over Shah’s objectionable comments.
However, the apex court bench, led by CJI BR Gavai, had refused to intervene.
“What kind of statements are you making? He is holding a constitutional office... He has to exercise a degree of restraint... Every sentence uttered by a minister has to be with responsibility," the Chief Justice had said.
The top court also asked MP DGP to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) by Tuesday 10 am to thoroughly probe the matter. The SIT will comprise three senior IPS officers, including a woman officer, all appointed from outside Madhya Pradesh to ensure an impartial and unbiased investigation into Shah’s objectionable comments.
Moreover, the top court made it clear that it is not prepared to accept the apology offered by the minister, emphasizing the seriousness of the matter.
“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 bench said, noting the need for sensitivity when discussing matters related to the military.
"We saw your videos, you were on verge of using filthy language," it added.
This strong rebuke came after Shah, who had called Colonel Qureshi a "sister of terrorists," sought interim relief from the Supreme Court on May 15 to stay an FIR registered against him. The FIR followed suo motu cognizance by the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which directed police to register a case over Shah’s objectionable comments.
However, the apex court bench, led by CJI BR Gavai, had refused to intervene.
“What kind of statements are you making? He is holding a constitutional office... He has to exercise a degree of restraint... Every sentence uttered by a minister has to be with responsibility," the Chief Justice had said.
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