Supreme Court Sets Two-Week Deadline for Madhya Pradesh Government
The Supreme Court issued a firm directive to the Madhya Pradesh government on Monday. The court ordered the state administration to make a decision within two weeks. This decision concerns granting sanction to prosecute state minister Kunwar Vijay Shah. The minister faces allegations for making objectionable remarks targeting Indian Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. These comments followed Operation Sindoor.
Court Scrutinizes Delay in SIT Report
A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Dipankar Datta and Joymalya Bagchi, examined the case. The judges noted that a court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) had finished its probe. The SIT submitted its final report in August 2025. However, further legal proceedings remain stalled. The delay stems from the absence of mandatory sanction from the state government.
This sanction is required under Section 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The section deals with offences that promote communal hatred and ill-will.
"You have been sitting over the SIT report since August 19, 2025," Chief Justice Surya Kant observed during the hearing. "The statute casts an obligation on you and you must take a call. It is January 19, 2026 now."
The bench opened and reviewed the SIT's sealed cover report. The report indicated the probe panel sought sanction to prosecute Minister Shah after examining all case aspects.
State's Explanation Rejected by Bench
Counsel for the Madhya Pradesh government offered an explanation. They stated no decision was taken because the matter remained pending before the Supreme Court. The bench firmly rejected this justification.
"The investigation is complete. The state must now take a call," the bench stated. The court then directed the state to decide the sanction issue within two weeks. A compliance report must be filed with the court afterward.
The court also noted the SIT's reference to other alleged instances. In these instances, Shah reportedly made additional objectionable remarks. The bench directed the SIT to investigate these matters separately. The probe team must submit an independent report detailing proposed action on those statements.
Court Deprecates Minister's Conduct and Apology
The Chief Justice strongly criticized the minister's conduct. He remarked it was "too late" for any apology. "We had earlier commented on what kind of apology was submitted," the bench added.
This refers to a hearing on July 28, 2025. During that hearing, the top court pulled up Shah for failing to place a public apology on record. The court observed he was "testing the court's patience." It also raised doubts about his "intentions and bona fides."
When Shah's counsel argued an apology was issued online, the court responded sharply. "What is an online apology? We are starting to have doubts about his intentions and bona fides. You place the apology on record. We will have to see it," the court had said.
Background of the Case
The case originated earlier. On May 28 last year, the Supreme Court ordered the closure of proceedings before the Madhya Pradesh High Court. It sought a status report from the SIT. The court constituted this SIT after taking strong exception to Shah's remarks and the FIR lodged against him.
Shah came under intense scrutiny after a widely circulated video emerged. The video allegedly showed him making objectionable comments against Colonel Qureshi. Colonel Qureshi rose to national prominence alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh during official media briefings on Operation Sindoor.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court had previously rebuked Shah. It criticized his use of "language of the gutters" and making "scurrilous" remarks. The high court directed police to register an FIR for promoting enmity and hatred.
Following widespread public criticism, Shah expressed regret. He stated that he respected Colonel Qureshi more than his own sister.
