‘Entire nation is shamed’: Supreme Court raps MP minister Vijay Shah for remarks on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi; orders SIT probe | India News

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday rejected Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah’s apology for his controversial remarks towards Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, terming the assertion a nationwide embarrassment.“The entire nation is shamed by the minister’s statement,” the apex court docket mentioned, instructing Vijay Shah to redeem himself by means of a real apology or an applicable expression of remorse.The court docket mentioned that he must be delicate earlier than making crass feedback.A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh directed the Madhya Pradesh authorities to represent the SIT by Tuesday. The crew should embody three senior IPS officers from outdoors the state, with a minimum of one being a lady officer. The SIT has been requested to submit a standing report by May 28.“We are a country which follows rule of law and it is same for the highest to the lowest,” the bench noticed. The Supreme Court was listening to Vijay Shah’s plea looking for the quashing of an FIR lodged towards him for his derogatory remarks. When requested whether or not he had apologised, his counsel mentioned an apology had already been issued. However, the court docket questioned its authenticity and intent.According to Live Law, Justice Surya Kant remarked: “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?”The bench stayed Vijay Shah’s arrest however cautioned that the matter wouldn’t be allowed to turn into political. “He must face consequences. Let law take its own course. We will not allow this to be politicized,” Justice Kant instructed the state authorities.Describing the upcoming SIT investigation as a “litmus test” for the Madhya Pradesh authorities, the court docket made it clear that it will intently monitor the case.