The Supreme Court of India came down heavily against Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah on Monday for his ‘crass’ remarks on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. It also constituted a three-member special investigation team to probe the FIR lodged against the BJP lawmaker. The apex court rejected his apology — deeming it ‘crocodile tears’ to evade legal proceedings.
“The entire nation was in shame due to the comments… We saw your videos , you were on the verge of using very filthy language but somehow better sense prevailed or you did not find suitable words. You should be shameful. Entire country is proud of our Army and you made this statement,” said Justice Surya Kant.
The top court has asked the Madhya Pradesh director general of police to constitute a three-member special investigation team (SIT) headed by an IG rank officer by 10:00 am on Tuesday. The SIT will also have to include a woman officer to probe the FIR registered following an order of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. It has called for the first state report by the SIT to be filed by May 28.
The court also opined that Shah should have been mindful of his public responsibilities and led by example. It also questioned the delivery of his apology — contending that the state minister should have simply admitted his error.
“What kind of apology was this? You should have simply admitted your mistake and apologised but you say if you have said this and that…then I apologise. This is not the way to seek apology,” the court added.
(With inputs from agencies)