Bhopal, 18 August (Kiran News): The case involving Madhya Pradesh’s Tribal Affairs Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah’s controversial remarks has now reached a decisive stage, with a crucial hearing set to take place in the Supreme Court on Monday (18 August). During this hearing, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) will present its status report before the court, while the minister’s counsel will try to convince the court that Shah’s apology truly reflects regret and self-reflection. However, in the previous hearing, the apex court had rejected his apology, calling it “insincere” and an “ignorance of public sentiment”.
The entire controversy began on 11 May when Vijay Shah, during a programme held in Raykunda village of Mhow area in Indore district, referred to Operation Sindoor and made comments on Colonel Sophia Qureshi. Shah’s remarks not only triggered an uproar in political circles but also drew strong reactions from the army and various sections of society, who considered them objectionable. It was alleged that the statement was an insult to a woman officer in the army.
On 28 July, a two-member bench of Justice Suryakant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi took cognisance of the apology video submitted by Vijay Shah, but the court dismissed it, stating that the minister had not acknowledged that his comments had hurt public sentiments. Justice Suryakant made a sharp observation, stating, “You must reflect on how you will face the consequences of your actions. Where is your public apology? Are you testing our patience?”
During the hearing, senior advocate K. Parameshwar, representing Vijay Shah, informed the court that the minister had complied with previous orders and that his statement was on record. When asked what the statement was about, he replied, it was an apology. Justice Suryakant, however, pointedly questioned the genuineness and public reach of the apology, stating that an online apology lacking honesty and acknowledgement of public sentiment holds little value. The court remarked that such formal proceedings only raise doubts about intentions.
In this matter, Congress leader Dr. Jaya Thakur had filed a petition in the Supreme Court on 23 July, demanding Vijay Shah’s removal from the ministerial post. However, during the hearing on 28 July, the court dismissed the petition, stating that such petitions are not admissible in the apex court. Still, the court directed the SIT to consider the facts and allegations in the petition and include them in its report. Thus, while Jaya Thakur’s petition was dismissed, its points became part of the investigation.
The matter is not limited to the court alone. Politically, this episode has become a major issue in Madhya Pradesh. The opposition Congress continues to demand the resignation of Minister Shah, while the ruling BJP is calling the entire episode a conspiracy by the opposition.
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