Gavai rebukes Vijay Shah over remarks against Col Sofia Qureshi

The Supreme Court on Thursday reprimanded Madhya Pradesh Tribal Welfare Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his controversial comments about Colonel Sofia Qureshi, a decorated Army officer who was involved in military briefings about Operation Sindoor.

A bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai observed that Shah’s statements were inappropriate and unbecoming of a public servant, stressing that leaders must exercise restraint and responsibility in their public conduct. The Court scheduled the next hearing for 16 May. Gavai took was sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India on Wednesday at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan where President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office.

The Bench led by Gavai was hearing Shah’s petition seeking interim protection from arrest.

The controversy stems from remarks Shah made during a public event in Manpur, where he made disparaging remarks about Colonel Qureshi. The comments quickly triggered widespread condemnation and prompted the Madhya Pradesh High Court to take suo motu cognisance of the matter earlier this week.

In a strongly worded order, the Indore bench of the High Court had described Shah’s words as “gutter language” and directed the Director General of Police to register a First Information Report (FIR) against the minister under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The court cited sections relating to promoting enmity and endangering national unity.

Shah has since issued a public apology, claiming his words were misinterpreted and asserting that he holds Colonel Qureshi in the highest regard. “I respect her more than my own sister,” he said, attempting to defuse the escalating backlash.

Colonel Sofia Qureshi, the first woman officer to lead a multinational military contingent in an international exercise, has earned widespread respect for her leadership in the Indian Army. The Supreme Court’s intervention signals a growing intolerance for intemperate political rhetoric, especially when directed at serving members of the armed forces.

Justice Gavai is the first Buddhist and only the second member of the Dalit community to hold the post.

2025 India-Pakistan warChief Justice BR GavaiColonel Sofia QureshiOperation SindoorPahalgamVijay Shah