MP cabinet likely to decide today on prosecution sanction against Vijay Shah in Col Sofiya Qureshi case

The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet is likely to decide on prosecution sanction against Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah over controversial remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. The decision may be sent to the Governor, ahead of the Supreme Court’s August 31 hearing

Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet is likely to take a crucial decision on Tuesday regarding the prosecution sanction against Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah for his controversial remarks against Indian Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.

If approved, sources said, the proposal will be forwarded to the Governor. The Supreme Court is set to hear the matter on August 31.

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A Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to probe the case has completed its inquiry and sought sanction to prosecute Shah under Section 196(1)(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Government approval is mandatory for proceeding against a public servant, which is why the case has remained stalled despite the SIT report.

The issue originated in May 2025 when Shah, speaking at a public event in Mhow near Indore, made remarks widely interpreted as linking Colonel Qureshi — who had briefed the media during Operation Sindoor — to the “community of terrorists” involved in the Pahalgam attack. He used language suggesting that “a sister from their community” was sent to avenge the killings.

The comments triggered nationwide outrage, criticism from the judiciary, and political demands for his resignation. The Madhya Pradesh High Court took suo motu cognisance, describing the language as “of the gutters”, and directed registration of an FIR. The Supreme Court later constituted an SIT and repeatedly pulled up the state government for delays in deciding on prosecution sanction.

On January 19, the apex court gave the government two weeks to decide. When no action followed, it again directed compliance within four weeks in May. An office report in July noted that no documents had been filed, highlighting continued inaction, sources said.

Shah has apologised multiple times, attributing his words to “patriotic fervour” and insisting he meant no disrespect to the officer or the Army. However, the Supreme Court has previously questioned the sincerity of these apologies.

Even if the Cabinet declines sanction while Shah remains a minister, the legal path could reopen if he resigns, as prior government approval may then not be required. The Cabinet’s decision is being closely watched both politically and legally ahead of the August 31 Supreme Court hearing.