SC Slams MP Minister Over Remarks on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, Refuses Immediate Relief

New Delhi, May 16: The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to immediately intervene in a petition filed by Madhya Pradesh Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah, challenging the High Court’s order to register an FIR against him for alleged derogatory remarks directed at Indian Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India B R Gavai expressed strong disapproval of the minister’s conduct, emphasizing that individuals holding public office must act with responsibility. “Every sentence uttered by a minister has to be with responsibility,” said CJI Gavai, warning that constitutional office bearers must maintain higher standards of public discourse.

The controversy erupted after Shah, during a public event in Mau on May 12, claimed that India had taught a lesson to those behind the Pahalgam terror attack using “their own sister.” Though he did not name anyone directly, the Congress alleged the statement was a veiled reference to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who had briefed the media during the Army’s Operation Sindoor.

Shah repeated the comment thrice during his speech. Following public outrage and political backlash, he issued an apology. However, the Madhya Pradesh High Court, in a strongly-worded observation, called the remarks “cancerous and dangerous,” prompting the registration of an FIR against him on Wednesday night.

Appearing for Shah, Senior Advocate Vibha Datta Makhija urged the apex court to stay proceedings and allow the matter to be heard before any further legal steps are taken. “I am a minister. That’s why I request no further action,” she submitted. However, Justice Gavai dismissed the urgency, saying, “Nothing is going to happen in 24 hours,” and advised the counsel to inform the High Court of the Supreme Court listing.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has also reprimanded Shah for his comments and advised him on appropriate public conduct. The BJP’s state unit summoned Shah for a discussion, with party general secretary Hitanand Sharma reportedly counselling him over the political fallout.

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the matter on Friday.