Hours after the Madhya Pradesh High Court suo motu ordered the registration of an FIR against BJP leader and State Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his controversial remarks calling Colonel Sofiya Qureshi a "sister of terrorists," the state police have officially booked him. The FIR cites Sections 152, 196(1)(b), and 197(1)(c) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
Section 152 of the BNS criminalizes acts that incite secession, rebellion, or subversive activities, or that endanger the sovereignty and integrity of India, punishable by up to life imprisonment. Section 196(1)(b) targets actions prejudicial to harmony among religious, racial, linguistic, regional, caste, or community groups, especially if public peace is disturbed. Section 197(1)(c) focuses on offenses against national integration.
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This legal action follows the High Court’s stern criticism of Minister Vijay Shah’s remarks. The court described his language as "disparaging," "dangerous," and "language of the gutters," noting that his comments not only targeted Colonel Sofiya Qureshi but also insulted the entire armed forces.
A division bench comprising Justice Atul Sreedharan and Justice Anuradha Shukla warned the Madhya Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) against disobeying the court’s directive, threatening contempt proceedings.
Justice Sreedharan emphasized:
“Register, register right now...I may not be alive tomorrow...I am giving you four hours...Let this order be stayed by the Supreme Court or be complied with by tomorrow.”
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When the Advocate General requested more time to comply, the court insisted on immediate action, demonstrating the urgency of the matter.
Later in the evening, Minister Vijay Shah issued a public apology through a video on his official social media account, referring to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi as “the Nation’s sister.” Subsequently, the official social media of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav confirmed that, following the High Court’s order, the Chief Minister had directed appropriate action against Vijay Shah.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi gained public attention as the face of 'Operation Sindoor,' delivering press briefings on Indian Air Force operations against Pakistani terrorist locations.
Vijay Shah's controversial statement had referred to avenging attacks on Indian sisters during the Pahalgam terror incident by saying,
“Jinhone humari betiyon ke sindoor ujade the… humne unhiki behen bhej kar ke unki aisi ki taisi karwayi”
(Translation: Those terrorists who harmed our sisters, we avenged them by sending their sister to retaliate).
The case highlights the judiciary’s firm stand on protecting national integrity and maintaining respect for the armed forces.
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