Supreme Court Pushes for Action Against Minister Over Remarks on Army Officer

The Supreme Court directed the Madhya Pradesh government to decide on prosecuting state minister Kunwar Vijay Shah within two weeks for derogatory remarks against Indian Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. Shah faces scrutiny following an SIT investigation. Proceedings have been delayed pending government sanction as required by law.

The Supreme Court has mandated the Madhya Pradesh government to arrive at a decision within two weeks on whether to proceed with the prosecution of state minister Kunwar Vijay Shah. The minister is under scrutiny for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, an Indian Army officer known for her role in Operation Sindoor.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) had been appointed by the apex court to investigate Shah's statements, deemed 'scurrilous' and 'objectionable.' The SIT has completed its probe and submitted a report, pending mandatory sanction from the state government under Section 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, focused on promoting communal hatred and ill-will.

Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Dipankar Datta and Joymalya Bagchi, expressed concern over the government's inaction since August 2025. The court has now directed the state to expedite the sanction process, stressing that the delay in decision-making cannot continue.

(With inputs from agencies.)