Madhya Pradesh High Court Orders FIR Against Minister Vijay Shah for Remarks on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi

On May 14, 2025, the Madhya Pradesh High Court, taking suo motu cognizance, directed the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against BJP leader and State Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his remark referring to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi as a “sister of terrorists.” 

A division bench comprising Justice Atul Sreedharan and Justice Anuradha Shukla described Shah’s comment as “disparaging,” “dangerous,” and “language of the gutters,” stating that it not only targeted Colonel Qureshi but also denigrated the armed forces.  The court observed that such statements could undermine the integrity and unity of the nation. 

The court noted that Colonel Qureshi, along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, had been the face of the armed forces during media briefings on Operation Sindoor, a military initiative against terrorist networks in Pakistan.  The bench emphasized that Shah’s remarks, by associating Colonel Qureshi with terrorists, could incite feelings of separatism and disturb public harmony. 

The High Court found that Shah’s statements prima facie attracted offenses under Sections 152 and 196(1)(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which pertain to acts endangering the sovereignty and integrity of India and acts prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony between different religious groups, respectively. 

In response to the backlash, Minister Vijay Shah issued a public apology, stating that his remarks were misinterpreted and expressing deep regret.  He claimed he was willing to apologize multiple times and that he holds more respect for Colonel Qureshi than his own sister.