New Delhi: The Supreme Court, on Monday, came down hard on BJP leader and Madhya Pradesh minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his comments on Indian Army officer Col Sofiya Qureshi. Refusing to accept his videographed apology, the Court ordered the setting up of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter.
The SIT will comprise three senior IPS officers from outside Madhya Pradesh. At least one of the officers will have to be a woman, the Court ordered.
The Court questioned the apology issued by the minister and observed that the word ‘apology’ has a meaning.
“The nature of this matter…we are carrying the video clips…we would like to see what kind of apology you have tendered…there is a meaning of the word ‘apology’…sometimes only to wriggle out of consequences…sometimes crocodile tears…what sort is yours?” Justice Surya Kant said.
Col Qureshi was among two women officers of the Indian armed forces assigned to brief the media on the progress of Operation Sindoor, along with foreign secretary Vikram Misri. The other officer was Wing Commander Vyomika Singh.
“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 observed.
“We are proud of our Army…it is an emotive issue,” the court said, adding: “Sentiments of citizens are brutally hurt.”
The court also wanted to know what actions the MP government has taken after the FIR was registered following instructions from the High Court.
“Why has the state not acted?” the Supreme Court asked, adding that by 10 am on Tuesday, it wants to see the SIT consisting of three senior IPS officers, including a woman officer, to be constituted.
“The petitioner shall cooperate with the probe…the SIT shall submit a status report,” the court added.
Shah, during a public event in Indore, Shah made a controversial statement without naming Colonel Qureshi.
“Jinhone humari betiyon ke sindoor ujade the…humne unhiki behen bhej kar ke unki aisi ki taisi karwayi (those who wiped sindoor off our daughters’ foreheads…we sent their sister to teach them a lesson),” Shah had said.
After the matter became serious, Shah said that he was ready to apologise ten times if anyone was hurt. He said that he respected Colonel Qureshi more than his own sister. An FIR was registered at the Manpur Police station against Shah.