The Supreme Court on Friday (8 May) sharply questioned the Madhya Pradesh government over the delay in deciding whether to grant sanction to prosecute State minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his controversial remarks linked to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi during the Operation Sindoor controversy.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said the State was expected to take a decision weeks ago after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) sought approval for prosecution.
Background of the Case
The matter stems from remarks allegedly made by Shah during a public event in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, where he referred to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi while commenting on India’s military response after the Pahalgam terror attack.
The comments triggered widespread criticism and led the Madhya Pradesh High Court to take suo motu cognisance of the issue. The High Court directed registration of an FIR, observing that the statements were “disparaging and dangerous” and could affect the dignity of the armed forces.
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An FIR was later registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to promoting enmity and acts affecting national harmony.
Shah subsequently moved the Supreme Court challenging the High Court’s order.
During hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Court that the State government had still not taken a final decision on granting sanction for prosecution.
The Bench expressed displeasure over the delay.
“Just comply with our order now. Enough is enough. The first thing should have been an apology,” CJI Surya Kant remarked.
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When the Solicitor General submitted that Shah may have intended to praise the officer but failed to express himself properly, the Court was unconvinced.
“It was not unfortunate. It was most unfortunate,” the Chief Justice observed.
The Bench also noted earlier findings in the SIT report suggesting a pattern of similar comments by the minister.
Justice Joymalya Bagchi remarked that the State should consider the “totality of circumstances” before taking a call on prosecution sanction.
The Supreme Court directed the Madhya Pradesh government to comply with its earlier orders and take a decision on the sanction issue.
The matter has now been listed for hearing after four weeks.
Case Details:
Case Title: Kunwar Vijay Shah vs. The High Court of Madhya Pradesh
Bench: Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi
Decision Date: May 8, 2026
