New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday (May 15) refused urgent hearing on a plea moved by Madhya Pradesh minister Kunwar Vijay Shah over his remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, saying a person holding a constitutional office should be responsible.
Shah’s plea was mentioned before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai seeking a stay on a First Information Report (FIR) registered against him on the orders of the Madhya Pradesh High Court over his remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.
Every sentence uttered by a minister has to be with responsibility: Apex Court
“A Person holding such an office is expected to maintain such a decree…every sentence uttered by a minister has to be with responsibility. When this country is going through such a situation, such person has to know what he is saying,” the bench said.
Apex Court to hear Shah’s plea tomorrow
The bench was informed by the counsel representing Shah that an FIR has been registered against Shah and sought no coercive action against him till he is heard. The counsel further told the bench that Shah has apologised for his statement, which was widely misunderstood and it was taken out of context by the media.
The bench told Shah’s counsel to go to the High Court and it would hear the matter tomorrow.
“Go to the High Court. We will have it tomorrow,” the bench, also comprising Justice AG Masih told Shah’s counsel.
What did the High Court say?
The High Court on Wednesday took suo motu cognisance of Shah’s statement and ordered for registration of an FIR against him on the charge of promoting enmity and hatred for passing “scurrilous” remarks and using “language of the gutters” against Colonel Sofia Qureshi.
“The armed forces, perhaps the last institution existing in this country, reflecting integrity, industry, discipline, sacrifice, selflessness, character, honour and indomitable courage with which any citizen of this country who values the same can identify themselves with, has been targeted by Mr. Vijay Shah who has used the language of the gutters against Col Sofia Qureshi,” the High Court order said.
