New Delhi: May 14: The Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the police to file an FIR against Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah for making derogatory remarks against Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. The order was passed by a Jabalpur bench comprising Justice Atul Shridharan and Justice Anuradha Shukla, which took suo motu cognisance of the issue.
The Court instructed the Director General of Police (DGP) to initiate legal proceedings within four hours, warning of contempt charges if there was any delay. While police officials stated they were awaiting formal directions, they assured action would follow upon receipt.
The remarks in question were made by Shah during an event in Raikunda village, Mhow, Indore, on May 11. Although initially unnoticed, a video surfaced online on Tuesday, triggering widespread public outrage. Shah allegedly referred to Colonel Qureshi as a “sister of terrorists“, drawing sharp criticism for attempting to malign a serving officer on religious grounds.
The Court, upon preliminary review, cited multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including Sections 152, 192, and 197, which relate to endangering national integrity, inciting communal hatred, and making divisive religious assertions. Section 196(1)(b) was also invoked, noting that the remarks could foster religious discord given Qureshi’s faith.
The bench strongly condemned the minister’s words, stating that such statements undermine the unity of the nation and dishonour those serving in uniform.
Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari submitted a complaint at Shyamala Police Station, demanding action under several sections of the BNS, asserting that the remarks were not only offensive but posed a threat to national harmony.
