Holding a constitutional position, you should have exercised a degree of restraint, especially when the country is undergoing such a situation, says top court
By Our Correspondent
NEW DELHI: In a strong message upholding constitutional responsibility and gender sensitivity, the Supreme Court on Thursday sharply criticised Madhya Pradesh minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his controversial remarks targeting Indian Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.
CJI Slams Minister’s ‘Insensitive’ Comment
Chief Justice of India BR Gavai termed the BJP leader’s remarks as “unacceptable and insensitive.” The apex court reminded the minister of the gravity of his position and the decorum expected from public representatives.“What sort of comments are you making? You should show some sense of sensibility. Go and apologise in the High Court,” CJI Gavai said. “Holding a constitutional position, you should have exercised a degree of restraint, especially when the country is undergoing such a situation,” he added, referring to heightened national tension following the Pahalgam terror attack.
Colonel Qureshi’s Role in Operation Sindoor
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a senior Indian Army officer, has been at the forefront of India’s official briefings on Operation Sindoor—the military retaliation launched in response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. She was seen addressing the press alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, providing vital updates on the mission and honouring the fallen.
Controversial Remarks Spark Outrage
While speaking at an event in Indore earlier this week, Minister Vijay Shah made a pointed remark interpreted as a communal and gendered jibe aimed at Colonel Qureshi. “Those who widowed our daughters, we sent a sister of their own to teach them a lesson,” he said, in reference to the officer’s leadership in Operation Sindoor. He added further controversy by stating, “The country’s honour and respect and the marital bliss of our sisters can be avenged by sending the sisters of your community to Pakistan.”
Political Backlash and Condemnation
The minister’s remarks triggered sharp political backlash. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the statement, asserting that such language reflects the “anti-women mentality” of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological mentor, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). “Such words are not only shameful but reveal the dangerous mindset that seeks to exploit religion and gender to fuel hate. Colonel Qureshi deserves honour, not slurs,” said Kharge in a press statement.
