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Remarks against Col Sofiya Qureshi: SC asks MP govt to decide on sanction to prosecute Vijay Shah in 2 weeks
Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah made objectionable remarks against Indian Army officer Col Sofiya Qureshi. Supreme Court directed MP government to decide on prosecution sanction within two weeks after delays on SIT report.
Why It Matters
Highlights judicial oversight on political remarks against armed forces, delays in prosecution sanctions, and protection of national integrity amid public scrutiny.
Timeline
6 Events
Supreme Court directs MP govt to decide on sanction within 2 weeks
January 19, 2026
Supreme Court expressed displeasure over delay since August 2025, directed MP government to decide on SIT's prosecution sanction request in accordance with law within two weeks.[1]
SIT completes probe and seeks prosecution sanction
August 19, 2025
SIT completed its probe months earlier and requested sanction to prosecute Shah, but MP government took no action.[1]
Supreme Court closes MP HC proceedings, extends interim stay
May 19, 2025
Supreme Court ordered closure of MP High Court proceedings, extended interim stay on Shah's arrest, asked for SIT status report, and posted matter for second week of July.[2]
Supreme Court hearing: Rejects apology, forms SIT, grants protection
May 16, 2025
Supreme Court took serious note of remarks, refused Shah's apology, declined FIR stay, ordered three-member SIT probe, and granted protection from arrest.[1][2]
MP High Court takes suo motu cognizance and orders FIR
May 14, 2025
Madhya Pradesh High Court rebuked Shah for scurrilous remarks, ordered police to file FIR under Sections 152, 196(1)(b), and 197(1)(c) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for threatening national sovereignty and promoting enmity.[1][2]
Vijay Shah makes objectionable remarks against Col Sofiya Qureshi
May 2025
A video circulated widely showing Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah making objectionable remarks against Col Sofiya Qureshi, who gained prominence during Operation Sindoor media briefings.[1][2]