Supreme Court Reminds MP Minister Of Public Office Responsibilities Amid Row Over Remarks On Colonel Sofiya Qureshi

The Supreme Court on Thursday (15 May) reminded Madhya Pradesh Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah of the responsibilities that come with holding public office, the Indian Express reported.

Supreme Court declined immediate relief on Shah's plea seeking a stay on an FIR filed over alleged remarks targeting Indian Army Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India B R Gavai, with Justice A G Masih, emphasised that public officials must exercise restraint and responsibility in their statements, especially during sensitive national situations.

The Chief Justice remarked, as quoted by IE, “A person holding such a public office is expected to uphold certain standards. Every sentence uttered by a minister has to be with responsibility.”

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi has been seen regularly addressing press briefings on Operation Sindoor alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh.

Speaking at a cultural event in Mhow on Tuesday (13 May), Vijay Shah said, "They (Pakistan) had taken away the sindoor of our sisters and daughters, and we sent their own sister to give it back to them in kind."

"They undressed Hindus and killed them, and Modi-ji sent their sister to return the favour. We couldn't undress them, so we sent a daughter from their community... You widowed sisters of our community, so a sister of your community will strip you naked. Modi ji proved that the daughters of your caste can be sent to Pakistan to take revenge," he was quoted as saying by NDTV.