SC Slams Minister’s Remark on Col. Sofiya Qureshi
The Supreme Court has sharply criticized Madhya Pradesh minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for making derogatory remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who played a key communication role during Operation Sindoor. During a public speech, Shah had referred to her as a “sister of terrorists,” triggering widespread condemnation.
A bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai said such language from a constitutional functionary was “completely unacceptable” and reflected poor judgment. The court emphasized that during ongoing military operations, such as Operation Sindoor, public leaders must act with responsibility and avoid statements that can harm the morale of armed forces personnel.
Court Rejects Minister’s Apology
Kunwar Shah had issued a video apology referring to Col. Qureshi as the “nation’s sister.” However, the court called the apology insincere and suggested it was merely an attempt to mitigate public outrage. Justice Surya Kant noted that the apology seemed “to be testing our patience,” and directed Shah to submit a formal written apology to the court.
SIT to Investigate, FIR Not Stayed
Earlier, an FIR had been registered against Shah under legal provisions for promoting enmity and causing public insult. The Supreme Court refused to stay the FIR but granted a conditional stay on Shah’s arrest. It ordered full cooperation with a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which has been given a deadline of August 13 to file its report. The SIT will be supervised by senior officials unaffiliated with the Madhya Pradesh government.
Political Fallout and Reactions
Shah has come under intense criticism not only from the Opposition but also from members of his own party. Senior BJP leaders have distanced themselves from his comments, and public figures across the political spectrum have called for his removal. His absence from recent state cabinet meetings has further fueled speculation about internal pressure to step down.
Respect for Armed Forces Reaffirmed
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who became a familiar face during Operation Sindoor briefings, has earned praise across the country for her professionalism and clarity. The court’s strong stance has reinforced the expectation that public figures must uphold dignity, especially when speaking about military officers.
