Top Court Takes Over Investigation, Extends Stay on Minister’s Arrest
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, ordered the closure of proceedings against Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah in the Madhya Pradesh High Court regarding his controversial remarks on Indian Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. The apex court stated it would now oversee the investigation into the matter.
Closure of High Court Proceedings
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT), formed by the Madhya Pradesh government, to submit a status report on the probe. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court of parallel proceedings in the High Court, but the Supreme Court ruled that since it had taken cognizance of the case, the High Court proceedings were now closed. The court also extended its interim order from May 19, which included a stay on Shah’s arrest, and scheduled the next hearing for the second week of July.
SIT Investigation Underway
The Supreme Court noted that the SIT, constituted on May 19 with three senior IPS officers from outside Madhya Pradesh (including one woman officer), had seized certain equipment and begun its investigation. The bench refused to allow any interference, emphasizing that it did not want the issue to be politicized. Shah faced severe criticism after a video surfaced showing him allegedly making derogatory remarks about Colonel Qureshi, who gained prominence during Operation Sindoor alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh.
High Court’s Earlier Rebuke
The Madhya Pradesh High Court had previously reprimanded Shah for using “gutter language” and making “disparaging” comments against Colonel Qureshi. It ordered the police to file an FIR against him for promoting enmity and hatred under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 152 (endangering India’s sovereignty) and Section 196 (promoting enmity between groups). The High Court had described Shah’s remarks as a national embarrassment, targeting not just Qureshi but the armed forces as a whole, an institution it called the “last bastion of integrity and honor” in India.
Shah’s Apology and Political Backlash
Following widespread condemnation, Shah issued a public apology, claiming he respected Colonel Qureshi “more than his own sister” and that his comments were misunderstood. However, the Supreme Court on May 19 rejected his apology as insincere, with Justice Surya Kant stating, “The entire nation is shamed by the minister’s statement.” The Congress party, military veterans, and even some BJP leaders, including former CM Uma Bharti, had demanded Shah’s dismissal. A 2024 survey by the Indian Political Research Forum revealed that 65% of respondents felt public figures should face stricter accountability for remarks against the armed forces, reflecting public sentiment on the issue.