Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 15: The Supreme Court on Thursday came down heavily on Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah over his controversial and "irresponsible" remarks targeting colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a senior officer involved in the Indian military's Operation Sindoor.
A bench led by chief justice of India BR Gavai and justice A G Masih strongly rebuked Shah, stating that individuals holding constitutional posts must act with restraint—especially in sensitive times when the nation is engaged in military operations. "What sort of statements are you making?" the bench asked pointedly, declining to entertain his plea seeking a stay on a High Court order directing the registration of an FIR against him.'
The minister's counsel, senior advocate Vibha Makhija, argued that Shah’s comments were being blown out of proportion and emphasized that he had already issued an apology. However, the court was not convinced, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations.
The controversy stems from a viral video in which Shah, a BJP leader, made deeply offensive remarks that appeared to target colonel Qureshi, claiming Prime Minister Modi had sent a "terrorists’ sister from their community" to kill them. The statement drew massive backlash, with the opposition Congress demanding Shah’s immediate removal from the state cabinet.
In response, Shah attempted damage control, stating, “If anyone is hurt by my statement, I am ready to apologise 10 times,” adding that he holds colonel Qureshi in high regard—“more than I respect my own sister.”
On Wednesday, the Madhya Pradesh high court ordered the state’s director general of police (DGP) to register an FIR against Shah under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS):
• Section 152 – Acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India
• Section 196(1)(b) – Promoting enmity on religious grounds
• Section 197(a)(c) – Outraging the modesty or character of a woman through speech
The court also warned of contempt proceedings if the FIR was not filed immediately.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who has become a prominent face during the briefing sessions on Operation Sindoor, regularly addressed the media alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. Her role in providing updates on India’s precision strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has drawn wide appreciation across the country.