Madhya Pradesh HC Orders FIR Against Minister Vijay Shah Over ‘Terrorist Sister’ Remark on Army Officer Col. Sofiya Qureshi

Bhopal | May 14, 2025 — In a significant development, the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Wednesday directed the State Police to register an FIR against Cabinet Minister Vijay Shah within four hours for his controversial remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army. The court, led by Justice Atul Sreedharan, took suo moto cognizance of media reports, terming the remarks “dangerous” and a threat to national unity.

Justice Sreedharan ordered DGP Kailash Makwana to invoke serious provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 196 (promoting enmity between groups) and Section 152 (act endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India). The court observed that the Minister’s statement—allegedly calling Colonel Qureshi a “sister of terrorists”—could incite separatist sentiments and undermine the integrity of the armed forces.

“Prima facie, the statement encourages feelings of separatist activities, thereby endangering the sovereignty and integrity of India,” the judge remarked. He added, “Now, they have started reaching out to the Armed Forces of this country.”

The controversy erupted following a public speech by Mr. Shah on May 12, where he suggested that the Army had sent a “sister of terrorists” in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Although Colonel Qureshi was not named during the speech, the Minister later identified her in a clarification, claiming his words were “distorted.”

The fallout has triggered widespread outrage. Several opposition leaders, including Congress’ Jairam Ramesh, Sachin Pilot, Y.S. Sharmila, BSP chief Mayawati, and TMC MP Sagarika Ghosh, condemned the remarks and demanded Mr. Shah’s dismissal. “The Minister’s atrocious remarks reflect the BJP’s diseased mindset,” Ramesh posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Protests erupted across Madhya Pradesh, with Congress leaders filing police complaints in cities like Bhopal and Jabalpur. MPCC chief Jitu Patwari led demonstrations calling for the Minister’s resignation.

In response, Madhya Pradesh BJP president V.D. Sharma stated that the party had taken note and warned Mr. Shah. “Our leadership is sensitive, and no one has the right to make such statements. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is the daughter of the country, and the nation salutes her courage,” Sharma told reporters.

Sources confirmed that Mr. Shah was summoned to the BJP state headquarters on May 13, where senior leaders, including general secretary Hitanand Sharma, reportedly rebuked him. The Minister later issued an apology.

National Commission for Women Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar also criticized Shah’s remarks, calling them “unfortunate” and urged leaders to maintain respect in public discourse, especially towards women in uniform.