Lagatar24 Desk
Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Wednesday ordered a police case against Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah for his derogatory, communal, and sexist remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a senior Indian Army officer involved in media briefings during Operation Sindoor. The court directed the DGP to file an FIR by the end of the day or face contempt proceedings.
Court calls remarks dangerous, divisive
Taking suo motu cognizance of the comments, the Jabalpur bench slammed the minister for using “language of the gutters” and said his statement encourages separatist thinking by targeting someone based on religion. The bench said the comments were not just offensive but also potentially criminal under laws related to national unity and communal harmony.
Charges likely under new and existing laws
The court said Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyay Samhita (acts against India’s unity) and Section 196 of IPC(promoting enmity between groups) are prima facie applicable. The judges highlighted the danger in such public remarks coming from a sitting minister and said the armed forces must remain above divisive politics.
What the minister said
Vijay Shah, speaking at an event in Mhow, said Col. Qureshi was “sent back as a sister to the same terrorists who killed our people,” in reference to her role in India’s counteroffensive. His words were seen as communal and insulting to the dignity of a serving woman officer.
Initial denial, then apology
After backlash, Shah claimed his comments were misunderstood but later offered a conditional apology, calling Col. Qureshi “more important than his sister.” Political parties and retired military officials have demanded his resignation, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge calling the remarks unforgivable.
Colonel Qureshi’s role in Operation Sindoor
Col. Qureshi, along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, has been the public face of military briefings following India’s successful precision strikes in Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror camps in Pakistan-occupied areas.
