New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Sunday directed the Madhya Pradesh government to take a decision within two weeks on granting sanction to prosecute state minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for allegedly making objectionable remarks against Colonel Sofia Qureshi.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Dipankar Datta, and Justice Joymalya Bagchi noted that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the court has completed its probe and submitted its final report. The matter is now pending with the state government for a decision on prosecution.
The court observed that the allegations fall under Section 198 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with promoting enmity and communal hatred. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing during the hearing, questioned the timing of the delay, pointing out that the matter pertains to a poll-bound state. “Why is this being delayed, especially when elections are approaching?” he asked.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy dates back to May 2025, following Operation Sindoor, when Colonel Sofia Qureshi came into the national spotlight. On May 11, 2025, during a public meeting near Indore, Minister Vijay Shah made remarks that triggered widespread outrage.
In his speech, Shah stated: “The terrorists wiped off the sindoor of our sisters. Modi ji taught them a lesson by sending their sister to them. They insulted our Hindus, and Modi ji avenged it by entering their homes and killing their sister.”
The comments were widely interpreted as a veiled reference to Colonel Sofia Qureshi, indirectly portraying her as the “sister of terrorists.” The remarks drew sharp criticism across the political spectrum and were condemned nationwide.
Apology Rejected by Court
Following the backlash, Vijay Shah issued an online apology. However, the Supreme Court rejected the apology, describing it as insincere and amounting to “crocodile tears.” The court termed the incident a “national embarrassment” and ordered an SIT probe into the matter.
With the SIT having completed its investigation, the Supreme Court has now made it clear that the onus lies with the Madhya Pradesh government to decide whether prosecution should proceed.
What Lies Ahead
During proceedings on January 19, 2026, the court reiterated that a decision on sanction for prosecution must be taken within the stipulated two-week period. The apex court made it clear that further delay would be unacceptable.
All eyes are now on the Madhya Pradesh government, as the case has significant political and legal implications. The decision taken in the coming days will determine the course of legal action against the minister and set an important precedent on accountability for public remarks by elected representatives.
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