MP High Court Orders FIR Against BJP Minister Vijay Shah for Derogatory Remarks Against Colonel Sofia Qureshi
In a significant development, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has taken suo motu cognizance and ordered the registration of an FIR against BJP leader and state Tribal Affairs Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his derogatory remarks against Colonel Sofia Qureshi, a decorated Indian Army officer. The court labeled Shah’s statement, where he referred to Colonel Qureshi as the “sister of terrorists,” as “dangerous and harmful like cancer.”
Background of the Controversy
The controversy stems from a speech by Vijay Shah, where he indirectly targeted Colonel Sofia Qureshi, who played a pivotal role in briefing the media about Operation Sindoor, an Indian Air Force operation targeting terrorist hideouts in Pakistan. Without naming her directly, Shah made inflammatory remarks, stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent “the sister of terrorists” to “teach them a lesson.” These comments were widely criticized for their communal undertones and for insulting a serving army officer.
According to a report by The Indian Express, Shah’s remarks sparked outrage across the country, with demands for action against the minister from opposition parties, citizens, and social media users. The remarks were seen as divisive, attempting to create enmity between communities based on religion.
High Court’s Observations
The division bench, comprising Justice Atul Sreedharan and Justice Anuradha Shukla, issued a stern rebuke, stating that Shah’s statement prima facie constitutes a criminal offense under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023. The court identified two specific sections under which Shah should face trial:
- Section 152 of BNS: This section pertains to acts that endanger India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity. The court noted that Shah’s statement promotes separatist ideology, posing a direct threat to national unity.
- Section 196 of BNS: This section applies when an individual incites enmity or hatred between different groups based on religion, caste, or language, thereby disturbing social harmony.
The bench emphasized that Shah’s remarks were not only offensive but also undermined the Indian Army, an institution symbolizing “honesty, hard work, sacrifice, selfless service, and unparalleled bravery.” Justice Sreedharan specifically highlighted Colonel Qureshi’s Muslim identity, stating that calling her the “sister of terrorists” could foster a harmful narrative that even a patriotic and honest Muslim serving the nation could be targeted based on their religion.
Shah had claimed his words were taken out of context, but the bench clarified that the remarks unmistakably targeted Colonel Qureshi, as no other individual matched the description in his speech.
Court’s Directive and FIR
The High Court issued a directive to the Madhya Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) to ensure an FIR is registered against Shah by the evening of May 14, 2025. The court warned that failure to comply would result in contempt of court proceedings against the DGP. Following the order, an FIR was promptly registered against Shah at the Mahu police station in Madhya Pradesh.
While the exact sections included in the FIR are yet to be disclosed, the court’s reference to Sections 152 and 196 of BNS suggests these will likely form the basis of the charges.
Evidence and Public Reaction
The court relied on newspaper reports and digital evidence available on the internet, which clearly documented Shah’s remarks. These included references to Prime Minister Modi sending “the sister of terrorists” to deal with them, a statement the court deemed “dangerous and harmful.” The widespread circulation of Shah’s speech on social media amplified public anger, with many condemning the minister for disrespecting a decorated army officer and attempting to communalize a national security operation.
Political Ramifications
As reported by The Indian Express, the High Court’s order has put the BJP in a challenging position, with the party rushing to control the damage caused by Shah’s remarks. The controversy has raised questions about the accountability of public officials and the need to uphold the dignity of institutions like the Indian Army.
What Lies Ahead?
Colonel Sofia Qureshi, alongside Wing Commander Vamika Singh, was a prominent face of Operation Sindoor, briefing the nation on the successful strikes against terrorist targets. Rather than being celebrated for her service, she was subjected to derogatory remarks by a state minister. The High Court’s intervention underscores the judiciary’s commitment to protecting national unity and holding public figures accountable.
As the case progresses, all eyes will be on the legal proceedings against Vijay Shah and whether further action will be taken. Budding Forensic Expert will continue to bring you updates on this developing story. Share your thoughts on this issue in the comments below.
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