Indian SC rejects BJP minister's apology over remarks against Col Sofiya

Indian Supreme Court Rejects BJP Minister’s Apology Over Remarks on Col Sofiya Qureshi

New Delhi: The Indian Supreme Court has dismissed Madhya Pradesh BJP minister Kunwar Vijay Shah’s apology for his remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, questioning its sincerity and calling it “crocodile tears” to evade legal consequences.

A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh ruled that Shah’s comments were “crass and thoughtless”, stating that the court did not require his apology. The judges emphasized that public representatives must exercise caution in their speech.

Court Orders SIT Probe

The Supreme Court directed the Madhya Pradesh police to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter. The SIT will consist of three senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, including one female officer, and will be led by an Inspector General (IG)-ranked officer.

Controversial Remarks & Public Outrage

Shah had referred to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi as a “sister of terrorists” in a viral video of a public address. His remarks were made in reference to Operation Sindoor, a military operation launched by India following accusations against Pakistan regarding the Pahalgam attacks—claims that remain unproven.

The Supreme Court’s rejection of Shah’s apology has intensified discussions on political accountability and responsible speech among public officials.