Madhya Pradesh High Court Orders FIR Against BJP Minister Vijay Shah for Derogatory Remarks on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi
The court’s suo motu action follows widespread outrage over Shah’s comments, which were deemed derogatory, communal, and a threat to national unity.
BHOPAL- The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Wednesday took a stern stance against state Tribal Affairs Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah, directing the Director General of Police (DGP) to register a First Information Report (FIR) within four hours for his controversial remarks targeting Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a senior Indian Army officer involved in Operation Sindoor.
The court’s suo motu action follows widespread outrage over Shah’s comments, which were deemed derogatory, communal, and a threat to national unity.
The division bench, comprising Justices Atul Sreedharan and Anuradha Shukla, condemned Shah’s remarks as “scurrilous” and “language of the gutters,” noting that they prima facie violate Sections 152 (endangering sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India), 196(1)(b) (promoting enmity between groups), and 197(1)(c) (causing disharmony or hatred) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The court warned that failure to file the FIR by 6 PM would result in contempt proceedings against the DGP.
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Shah’s remarks, made during a public event in Indore on Monday, alluded to Colonel Qureshi as the “sister of terrorists” in connection to Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
The comments sparked a political firestorm, with opposition leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, labeling them “shameful and vulgar.” Congress, along with other parties like the Samajwadi Party and AAP, demanded Shah’s immediate removal from the cabinet and arrest.
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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has scrambled to contain the fallout. State BJP president V.D. Sharma reprimanded Shah, and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav reportedly advised him to refrain from commenting on sensitive issues.
Shah issued a public apology on Tuesday, claiming his speech was misconstrued and expressing regret if his words hurt sentiments. However, the apology has done little to quell public anger, with protests erupting across Madhya Pradesh, including effigy burnings and demonstrations in Indore and Bhopal.
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Colonel Qureshi, alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, has been a prominent face of Operation Sindoor, briefing the media on India’s military actions. The court emphasized that Shah’s remarks not only insulted a decorated officer but also undermined the armed forces, an institution revered for its integrity and sacrifice.
The National Commission for Women chairperson, Vijaya Rahatkar, also condemned the remarks, hailing Qureshi’s service to the nation.
The Congress party intensified its attack, with state chief Jitu Patwari leading a delegation to file complaints against Shah in multiple cities. Other leaders, including Sachin Pilot, Harish Rawat, and AAP’s Sanjay Singh, called for strict action, accusing the BJP of fostering divisive rhetoric.
As the deadline for the FIR looms, discussions within the BJP’s top leadership suggest possible disciplinary action against Shah. The court will hear the matter again on Thursday, with the nation watching closely for further developments in this high-profile case.
