SC slams Minister Vijay Shah over controversial remarks:Case relates to comments on Army Officer Sofia Qureshi, and disputed online apology video issued

The Supreme Court on Monday made strong observations on the apology tendered by Madhya Pradesh Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah over his controversial remarks against Colonel Sofia Qureshi, saying that “enough time has passed now.” The case relates to comments made by Vijay Shah on May 11, 2025, during a Halma Sabha programme held in Raikunda village of Mhow, Indore. While referring to Operation Sindoor, Shah made objectionable remarks, allegedly calling Colonel Sofia Qureshi a “sister of terrorists” and using inflammatory language related to caste and community. Following widespread outrage, Shah released a video apology. However, the Supreme Court had earlier expressed displeasure over the manner of his apology during a hearing on July 28 last year, calling it insincere. After nearly six months, the matter came up for hearing again on Monday, May 19. During the proceedings, Vijay Shah’s counsel submitted that his client had already apologised. The court sharply reprimanded him, stating that as a public figure, Shah must be mindful of his words. The bench remarked that the minister had “completely exposed himself before the public.” An FIR had been registered against Vijay Shah on May 14 at Manpur police station in Mhow on the directions of the High Court. Shah later approached the Supreme Court, challenging the FIR. During the July 28 hearing last year, a bench comprising Justice Suryakant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi had strongly criticised Shah’s online apology, noting that he failed to acknowledge the hurt caused to public sentiments. Justice Suryakant had then observed, “Let him reflect on how to serve his punishment. Where is your public apology? You are testing our patience.” The Supreme Court’s latest remarks indicate continued dissatisfaction with the minister’s conduct and his apology in the matter.