'Must exercise restraint': SC slams MP minister for 'irresponsible' remarks on Col. Sofiya Qureshi

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday pulled up Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah for his "irresponsible" comments on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.A bench of CJI BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih reminded Shah that a person holding a constitutional post must exercise restraint, especially when the country is facing a situation like Operation Sindoor.The top court criticised Shah, who sought a stay of the HC order for an FIR for his irresponsible comments, and asked why he can't approach the high court."What sort of statements are you making. You are a responsible minister of the government," the CJI told Shah's counsel.Minister's counsel Vibha Makhija said the minister's comment has been over-hyped and that he has apologised.This comes a day after the Madhya Pradesh High Court, in a strongly worded order, directed the state DGP to immediately register an FIR against Shah under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), warning that failure to comply would result in contempt proceedings.The FIR is to be filed under BNS Sections 152 (acts endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India), 196(1)(b) (promoting enmity on grounds of religion), and 197(a)(c) (outraging modesty or character of a woman through speech), with immediate effect.Shah sparked a major controversy with comments which appeared to be directed at Colonel Qureshi. In a video which has gone viral, the BJP leader is seen saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a "terrorists' sister from their community" to kill them.This drew wide-scale condemnation, with the opposition Congress demanding his immediate dismissal from the Madhya Pradesh cabinet. Under severe flak, Shah said if anyone is hurt by his statement, he is "ready to apologise 10 times," adding that he respects Colonel Qureshi "more than I respect my sister."Colonel Qureshi held regular press briefings, where she was joined by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, to give details of the "Operation Sindoor" launched by the Indian armed forces to strike terrorists in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.