The Supreme Court sharply criticized Madhya Pradesh minister Kunwar Vijay Shah on Monday for failing to issue a public apology for his derogatory remarks against Indian Army officer Col Sofiya Qureshi, stating he was testing the court’s patience. Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi questioned Shah’s intentions, noting his conduct raised doubts about his sincerity.

Senior advocate K Parmeshwar, representing Shah, claimed a public apology was issued online and would be submitted to the court. The bench directed the special investigation team (SIT), formed to probe Shah’s statements, to submit its report by August 13. The SIT has examined 87 individuals and is analyzing their statements.

The court declined to consider a plea by Congress leader Jaya Thakur demanding Shah’s resignation but agreed to investigate past allegations raised in her petition through the SIT. The case is scheduled for further hearing on August 18.

Also Read: India’s Afforestation Misses Target, Funds Underutilized

The SIT was established following the Supreme Court’s May 19 order, which rebuked Shah after a widely circulated video showed him making objectionable remarks against Col Qureshi, who gained prominence alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh during Operation Sindoor briefings.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court had earlier condemned Shah’s “scurrilous” remarks as “language of the gutters,” ordering an FIR for promoting enmity and hatred. Shah expressed regret, claiming he respects Col Qureshi “more than his sister.”

Also Read: Bihar Voter List Purge Sparks Supreme Court Battle