The Supreme Court has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the controversial remarks made by Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. The ruling came after widespread condemnation of Shah's comments, which were deemed derogatory and insensitive.
The case originated from a public function in Raikunda village, Ambedkar Nagar at Mhow, where Shah made disparaging remarks about Colonel Qureshi, who, along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, was representing the Armed Forces in media briefings related to Operation Sindoor, an operation launched by India against Pakistan. Shah referred to Col. Quraishi as the "sister of the terrorists" involved in the Pahalgam attack, in which 26 Indian civilians were killed. He further added that Prime Minister Modi had "sent the sister of the terrorists to sort them out."
The Madhya Pradesh High Court took suo motu cognizance of the matter based on media reports and video footage circulating online. The court strongly rebuked Shah for using "scurrilous" comments and using "language of the gutters" against Colonel Qureshi. It directed the Director General of Police (DGP) of Madhya Pradesh to register an FIR against Shah under sections 152, 196(1)(b), and 197(1)(c) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), related to promoting enmity and hatred.
Shah, represented by senior advocate Vibha Dutta Makhija, then moved the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the FIR. However, the Supreme Court expressed its disapproval of Shah's remarks, questioning the responsibility expected of a person holding a constitutional office. Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai stated that every sentence uttered by a Minister must be with a sense of responsibility.
On May 19, 2025, the Supreme Court bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh ordered the constitution of an SIT to investigate the matter. The SIT will consist of three IPS officers of Madhya Pradesh cadre, with one officer of Inspector General (IG) or Director General of Police (DGP) rank. The court directed the DGP to constitute the SIT by the next day. The court also stayed Shah's arrest but ordered him to join the investigation.
The Supreme Court further questioned the sincerity of Shah's apology, deeming it an attempt to escape the consequences of his actions. The court stated that Shah's comments had brought shame to the entire nation and that public figures must be sensitive before making such crass remarks.
The SIT is expected to submit its first status report by May 28. The investigation will focus on whether Shah's remarks violated legal and constitutional norms, including hate speech laws. The case highlights the importance of responsible speech by public figures and the need for accountability when such speech has the potential to incite hatred or division.