‘Unacceptable language’: MP HC slams Vijay Shah over remark on Sophia Qureshi

The controversial remarks made by Madhya Pradesh Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah targeting senior Indian Army officer Colonel Sophiya Qureshi have triggered sharp judicial responses from both the Supreme Court and the Madhya Pradesh High Court, raising serious concerns over the handling of the case by state authorities.

The Jabalpur High Court bench of Justices Atul Sreedharan and Anuradha Shukla lashed out at Mr Shah for using ‘language of the gutters’ against a senior Indian Army officer.

On Thursday, the Madhya Pradesh High Court lashed out at the police over a “poorly drafted” FIR, which it said failed to include key legal provisions despite the court’s earlier directive. The FIR, registered at Manpur Police Station in Mhow, was in response to the minister’s inflammatory comment that appeared to link Colonel Qureshi to terrorists –  an allegation seen as a direct attack on the dignity of the armed forces.

A division bench comprising Justice Atul Shridharan and Justice Anuradha Shukla expressed dissatisfaction with the FIR, calling it a “mere formality” and warning that judicial monitoring of the investigation was now necessary to prevent political pressure or manipulation.

The court was particularly concerned that Sections 152, 196, and 197 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which address issues like communal hatred and threats to national unity, were omitted from the FIR. The Advocate General’s explanation that the police were still investigating was dismissed sharply, with the court stating that the case involved a public speech, not a complex murder probe, and should not be prolonged unnecessarily.

Justice Shridharan added that the High Court would resume hearings after the summer vacation, but made it clear that failure to follow judicial orders would result in contempt proceedings against the Director General of Police.

Meanwhile, the matter also reached the Supreme Court, where Minister Vijay Shah sought interim relief from the fallout of the case. However, the apex court, led by Chief Justice of India B R Gavai, refused to entertain the plea, expressing its own concern over the nature of the minister’s remarks. The CJI remarked that individuals holding public office must exercise responsibility in speech and questioned the necessity of making such statements during sensitive times.

Earlier this week, the High Court had taken suo motu cognisance of the minister’s speech made at a public event in Raikunda, Mhow (Ambedkarnagar). Referring indirectly to Colonel Qureshi, the minister had said that “a sister of those who widowed Indian women in the Pahalgam terror attack” had been sent to take revenge, referencing Operation Sindoor. While the minister did not explicitly name Colonel Qureshi, the implication was widely understood and condemned.

In an eight-page order, the High Court had recognised the Indian Army as a pillar of the nation, and stated that any attack – verbal or otherwise – on its officers compromises national integrity and public morale.

(With inputs from syndicated feed)