Where is your public apology? Top court raps BJP minister over Col Qureshi remarks

India Today

5 days ago

The Supreme Court on Monday pulled up Madhya Pradesh Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for failing to issue a proper public apology over his controversial remarks against Operation Sindoor hero Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.During a hearing, a bench comprising Justice Suryakant and Justice Joymala Bagchi questioned the minister's intentions and said they were "suspicious of the bonafides" behind Shah's conduct.The court was particularly angered by the absence of a formal, public apology from the minister.advertisement
"This man is testing our patience. Where is your public apology?" the bench asked, taking exception to a social media video posted by Shah, which the court said does not qualify as a "proper" apology.The bench directed Shah's lawyer to submit full details of the apology and where and how it had been published. It was made clear that the minister must demonstrate genuine remorse in a public and meaningful manner.Shah is currently facing an inquiry by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which was set up following the court's direction.The SIT, in its submission, informed the court that it had recorded statements from 27 people, including journalists, and is now reviewing videos and other materials related to the incident. The team has been given 90 days to complete its probe and has committed to filing the final status report by August 13.However, the court also criticised the SIT's approach, questioning why Shah's statement was recorded before collecting testimonies from those affected by his comments."What is so significant to record his statement? The statements of those who felt hurt and victimised by his statement — those should have been recorded," remarked the bench.In response, the SIT assured the court that victim and witness statements were also part of the investigation and that all relevant material is being analysed before final conclusions are drawn.The matter has now been adjourned to August 18. The court has directed that one of the three SIT members must be present during the next hearing and submit the status report outlining the outcome of the inquiry.Shah stirred a row when he, while speaking at a government event in May, said that the Prime Minister had sent a "sister from the same community" as those in Pakistan to avenge the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. The remark was made with reference to India's Operation Sindoor strikes, which were spearheaded by Qureshi along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, on May 7.The case has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for accountability among public figures in their comments regarding the armed forces.- EndsTrending Reel