SC to hear Minister Vijay Shah’s plea after controversial remarks against Col. Sofiya Qureshi

The Supreme Court is set to hear a petition on May 16 filed by Madhya Pradesh’s Tribal Affairs Minister, Kunwar Vijay Shah, who is challenging a Madhya Pradesh High Court directive that led to contempt proceedings and an FIR being registered against him. The controversy centers around comments made by Shah about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, an Army officer who gained national attention during Operation Sindoor.

Also Read:Col. Sofiya Qureshi stands tall as minister’s disgraceful remarks bring shame

The minister’s statement, made during a speech, suggested that a woman “from the same background” as those in Pakistan was sent to strike back following the Pahalgam terror attack, an insinuation that drew criticism for being communal and inflammatory. His words sparked significant outrage across the country and led the High Court to take automatic cognisance of the matter.

In a sharp response, the High Court determined that Shah’s comments could provoke social disharmony and ordered the state police to file a case against him within four hours. The court also cautioned the state’s police chief of contempt if the instructions were not promptly followed. Shah later released a video message offering an apology and acknowledging Colonel Qureshi’s service to the nation, referring to her respectfully as a sister.

Shah has now turned to the Supreme Court, requesting that both the FIR and the contempt case be dismissed. His counsel, senior advocate Vibha Dutta Makhija, argued that the issue was overblown by media coverage and claimed that the minister was not given a chance to present his side in the High Court. However, the Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai, questioned why the matter had been escalated to the apex court instead of being dealt with locally.