MP High Court Orders FIR against Minister Vijay Shah Over Remarks on Col Sofiya Qureshi

Moneylife Digital Team 14 May 2025

Economy & Nation

The Madhya Pradesh High Court (HC) on Wednesday directed the registration of a first information report (FIR) against state minister Vijay Shah over his controversial remarks against Indian Army officer colonel Sofiya Qureshi.

Hearing a public interest litigation (PIL), the Court observed that Mr Shah's comments—made during a political gathering in Mhow—appeared to target Col Qureshi in a communal and derogatory manner, warranting criminal investigation.

The remark, which drew nationwide outrage, suggested that the officer—part of the Indian Army team briefing media during 'Operation Sindoor'—was selected to represent the armed forces because she belonged to the same community as those in Pakistan.

Mr Shah reportedly stated that prime minister (PM) Narendra Modi had sent a “sister from the same community” to avenge the 22 April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, in which 26 civilians were killed.

Col Qureshi, who conducted joint press briefings on the operation alongside wing commander Vyomika Singh and foreign secretary Vikram Misri, was widely praised for her clarity and professionalism. The HC took serious note of the communal undertone of the minister’s statement, especially as it targeted a serving officer.

The division bench noted that such comments not only undermine the dignity of armed forces personnel but also attempt to sow communal discord under the guise of political rhetoric.

The Court’s order comes amid mounting political pressure and condemnation from across the political spectrum. RJD leader Manoj Jha called Mr Shah’s remark 'a shame', saying it insulted both the Army and the country. JD(U) leader KC Tyagi demanded a public apology, while Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s national spokesperson Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi termed the statement 'idiotic' and 'condemnable'.

The controversy forced the BJP into damage control mode. Minister Shah was summoned for a closed-door meeting with Madhya Pradesh BJP chief VD Sharma. After the meeting, he issued a public apology, stating, “Colonel Sofiya Qureshi has made the nation proud. We respect both sisters. I did not intend to hurt anyone, and I offer my sincere apologies.”

Despite the apology, legal proceedings are now underway following the HC’s intervention. The Court has instructed police authorities to register the FIR without delay and initiate appropriate action under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

This is one of the rare instances where the judiciary has directly intervened to hold a sitting state minister accountable for public remarks perceived as communal and disrespectful toward serving defence personnel.

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