MP Court Orders FIR Against Minister Shah for derogatory remarks on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi
In a strong rebuke of communal insinuations and political recklessness, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has ordered the registration of an FIR against Tribal Welfare Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his derogatory remarks targeting Indian Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. The decision comes in the aftermath of India’s successful Operation Sindoor, where Colonel Qureshi played a crucial operational role.
Operation Sindoor
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi served as one of the lead officers during Operation Sindoor, a major military operation launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. She was part of the official briefing team that included Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The trio briefed the nation on the strategic objectives and outcomes of the operation, which aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied territory.
Madhya Pradesh High Court
The bench of Justices Atul Sreedharan and Anuradha Shukla termed Shah’s comments as “cancerous and dangerous to the nation.” The court underscored that such statements not only demoralize the armed forces but also pose a direct threat to the unity and integrity of India. Justice Sreedharan made it clear that no citizen, let alone a public official, has the right to malign the reputation of officers serving in uniform based on religion or identity.
Kunwar Vijay Shah
Minister Shah had allegedly described Colonel Qureshi as a “sister of terrorists” during a public gathering in Mhow. While he later apologized and claimed his words were taken out of context, the court found the apology insufficient and unconvincing. It directed the Director General of Police to immediately lodge an FIR under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The episode has created significant political fallout. Opposition parties have demanded Shah’s resignation and intensified calls for accountability. The BJP, facing mounting criticism, has summoned Shah to explain his conduct and dispatched party leaders to express support to Colonel Qureshi’s family.
This case has reignited debates around religious profiling, respect for the armed forces, and the responsibilities of public office holders. It also reinforces the judiciary’s role in safeguarding constitutional values when political discourse crosses ethical lines.
