The Supreme Court has expressed surprise and displeasure over the Madhya Pradesh government’s inaction in a case involving controversial remarks made by state minister Vijay Shah against Colonel Sofia Qureshi. The court noted that despite a request from a Special Investigation Team (SIT) seeking permission to prosecute the minister, the state government has failed to take a decision for several months.
The controversy stems from a statement made by Vijay Shah following Operation Sindoor, after which Colonel Sofia Qureshi had briefed the media. An FIR was subsequently registered against Shah, who has approached the Supreme Court seeking to have the case quashed.
SIT Sought Prosecution Approval, Court Told
During the hearing, the SIT informed the court that it had formally sought sanction from the Madhya Pradesh government to initiate prosecution against the minister. However, no decision has been taken so far. The court expressed concern that the request has remained pending since August 2025.
Chief Justice Suryakant questioned the delay, observing that nearly five months had passed without any clear response from the state authorities.
Court Rejects Delay and Seeks Accountability
When the state government attempted to justify the delay by saying the SIT report was under consideration, the Chief Justice strongly objected. “You have been unable to take a decision since August 19, 2025, and today is January 19,” he remarked, expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s explanation.
The court clarified that the SIT report had been submitted in a sealed cover and later examined in open court. While the report addressed multiple aspects of the case, it did not include Shah’s past cases, the bench noted.
Apology Argument Dismissed by the Court
Senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for Vijay Shah, argued that the minister had apologised and was cooperating with the investigation. The Chief Justice, however, rejected the claim, stating that no formal apology was part of the court record and that it was too late to rely on such a defence.
The court recalled that it had already reviewed Shah’s apology and had previously criticised both his public and online apologies, terming them inadequate. The bench reiterated that a genuine apology must meet legal standards and cannot be used as a shield against accountability.
Direction to State Government
The Supreme Court directed the Madhya Pradesh government to take appropriate steps under the law and decide on granting prosecution sanction without further delay. Intelligence Bureau DIG D. Kalyan Chakravarthy, who was present in court, was also asked to examine aspects raised in related petitions.
The bench made it clear that prolonged indecision by the state government in such matters undermines the legal process and cannot be justified.
Case Continues Under Court’s Watch
With the prosecution approval still pending, the Supreme Court has signalled that it will closely monitor further developments in the case, underscoring that expressions of regret cannot replace due legal process when serious allegations are involved.
