New Delhi, May 15, 2025 — The Supreme Court of India on Thursday took strong exception to the controversial remarks made by Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a senior Indian Army officer who briefed the media on Operation Sindoor, a cross-border military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, along with Justice AG Masih, condemned Shah’s statements, calling them “highly irresponsible,” particularly in light of his constitutional role. “Such a person holding a constitutional office should be responsible… when this country is going through such a situation. He has to know what he is saying. Just because you are a minister…,” remarked CJI Gavai during the proceedings.
The hearing came in response to a petition filed by Shah, challenging a May 14 order by the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which had directed the registration of a criminal case against him. The High Court had strongly censured Shah’s language, describing it as “language of the gutters” and warned the police of strict action if they failed to file an FIR.
Minister’s Controversial Comment
During a public event at Raikunda village, Ambedkar Nagar (Mhow), Shah reportedly stated:
“Those who widowed our daughters, we sent a sister of their own to teach them a lesson.”
The statement was widely seen as a veiled reference to Colonel Qureshi and sparked immediate backlash, including public demands for Shah’s resignation.
Supreme Court Denies Stay on FIR
Appearing on behalf of Shah, Senior Advocate Vibha Dutta Makhija argued that the Minister had shown remorse and that his statement had been “misunderstood and overhyped” by the media. She sought a stay on the FIR filed against him.
The apex court, however, refused to stay the FIR at this stage. “We will hear it tomorrow. You know who you are. We know nothing will happen. Just because you are a minister,” the Bench noted, directing Shah’s counsel to inform the High Court that the Supreme Court is now seized of the matter.
High Court’s Stern Warning
Justice Atul Sreedharan of the Madhya Pradesh High Court had issued a stern warning to the local police:
“To enforce the order of this Court, I will bring hell down, if need be.”
Complying with the order, the Manpur Police registered an FIR against Shah late on May 14 under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- Section 152 – Acts endangering sovereignty
- Section 196(1)(b) – Promoting enmity between different groups
- Section 197(1)(c) – Public mischief by public servants
