Supreme Court Asks Union Minister Vijay Shah to Apologise for Remarks Against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi

NDC DESK

On May 14, 2025, the Supreme Court of India directed Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Vijay Shah, to tender an unconditional apology for his remarks against Indian Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. The court observed that his comments were “completely unwarranted” and amounted to defaming a serving officer of the armed forces.

The comment, delivered at a political rally in Madhya Pradesh’s Raikunda village on May 12, followed India’s covert Operation Sindoor, reportedly led by Col Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh.
Addressing the gathering, Shah said, “Those people (terrorists) who wiped away the sindoor of our sisters … Modi ji responded by sending ‘a sister from their community’ in an Army plane to strike them … Modiji sent the sister of their community to strip them and teach them a lesson.”

While he didn’t name anyone, the “sister” reference was widely taken to mean Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who is Muslim and had publicly briefed the press during the operation.

His comments were widely condemned as communal and sexist, drawing criticism from military veterans, civil society groups, and opposition leaders.
Opposition parties led by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge termed the remarks “communal and shameful,” while BJP veteran Uma Bharti called them “disgraceful.” Veterans and civil society leaders condemned the minister for undermining the secular ethos of the Army.

On May 14, the Madhya Pradesh High Court took suo motu cognisance and ordered the state police to register an FIR under provisions relating to promotion of enmity and national security. The court later called the FIR “incomplete” and a “gross subterfuge,” and announced it would monitor the investigation.
The next day, Shah petitioned the Supreme Court for interim protection. The bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai refused immediate relief and reprimanded him in open court, “What sort of comments are you making? Go and apologise.” “A person holding such public office is expected to uphold certain standards.”

Shah responded that he had been “misunderstood” and was “ready to apologise ten times” if his words had hurt sentiments.

The Supreme Court has asked for a written and public apology within a week. The Indian Army has not commented, but sources say Col Qureshi continues in active duty, with full support from the force.

In a uniform, there is no religion. That’s India’s doctrine and its pride, India’s strength lies not just in firepower, but in the faith we place in every uniform, regardless of gender, faith, or name.