New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday refused urgent hearing on a plea by Madhya Pradesh Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah, challenging the High Court’s May 14 suo motu direction for registration of FIR against him for comments demeaning Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who briefed the media during the Operation Sindoor.
While posting the hearing for May 16, the bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih pulled up the Minister, questioning his sense of responsibility as a lawmaker. “What sort of statements are you making… A responsible Minister of the government, that too when the country Is undergoing such a situation… A person holding a Constitutional office is expected to exercise a degree of restraint. Every sentence uttered by a Minister must be with a sense of responsibility,” the bench told his counsel, senior advocate Vibha Datta Makhija.
However, it declined to halt the ongoing proceedings in the Madhya Pradesh high court.
Shah courted controversy after he at an event said that India has taught a lesson to those responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack using “their own sister”. An FIR was filed against him on Wednesday under Sections 152, 196(1)(b), and 197(1)(c) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Following the HC order, the Minister also apologised for his controversial remarks against the army officer and said that he respects ‘sister Sofia’ and the army.
Meanwhile, security at his bungalow has been increased amid protests by Mahila Congress Madhya Pradesh.
