New Delhi: On his first day as the Chief Justice of India, Justice B.R. Gavai rebuked Madhya Pradesh Tribal Welfare Minister Vijay Shah, directing him to apologise for his inappropriate and offensive remarks targeting Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a senior Indian Army officer.

A bench led by CJI Gavai, hearing Shah’s petition seeking interim protection from arrest, minced no words in criticising the minister's conduct.

“What sort of comments are you making?” the Chief Justice asked pointedly. “You should show some sense of sensibility. Go and apologise in the High Court,” he directed.

The Supreme Court refused to grant any interim relief from arrest, underlining that those in public office are not above the law, especially when their statements undermine the dignity of constitutional institutions or the armed forces.

“Nothing will happen to you in a day. You know who you are,” the court remarked, signaling its unwillingness to tolerate attempts at evading accountability.

The controversy stems from a speech delivered by Minister Vijay Shah on May 12 at a public event in Raikunda village, Indore district.

During his address, Shah allegedly made communal and gendered remarks aimed at Colonel Qureshi remarks that were widely perceived as demeaning and inflammatory.

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a senior and respected officer of the Indian Army, has become a prominent figure in media briefings on Operation Sindoor, India's high-priority strategic military initiative.

She frequently appears alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, representing the armed forces with clarity and dignity.

The speech drew immediate backlash from across the political spectrum. Opposition leaders, retired military personnel, women’s rights activists, and even some members within the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticised Shah’s remarks as deeply irresponsible and unbecoming of a public servant.

An FIR was promptly lodged against the minister following public outrage, prompting the Madhya Pradesh High Court to Suo Moto direct initiation of criminal proceedings.

Shah approached the Supreme Court seeking protection, but the apex court refused to stay the High Court's directive.

The Supreme Court took a firm judicial stand against abuse of political power and communal speech, especially when directed at serving military officers who are bound by discipline and cannot publicly respond to political attacks.

Today also marked the formal assumption of office by Justice B.R. Gavai as the 51st Chief Justice of India, succeeding Justice Sanjiv Khanna.

Known for his sharp judicial acumen and emphasis on constitutional morality, CJI Gavai’s first courtroom remarks reaffirmed the principle that no individual regardless of position, is immune from public accountability.