The Supreme Court on Friday sharply rebuked the Madhya Pradesh government over the delay in deciding sanction to prosecute minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his remarks targeting Army officer Sofiya Qureshi after Operation Sindoor, saying “Enough is enough”.
A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi directed the state government to comply within four weeks with its earlier order asking it to take a decision on granting sanction for prosecution.
The court’s remarks came after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the bench that Shah’s comments were “definitely unfortunate” and that the minister had apologised soon after the controversy erupted. The bench, however, appeared unconvinced. “Not unfortunate, but most unfortunate and then he has no sense of repentance also,” the Chief Justice observed, refusing to entertain further submissions from the state or Shah’s counsel.
The court also rejected the argument that Shah may have intended to praise Col Qureshi but failed to articulate himself properly. Shah, who is facing a Supreme Court-monitored SIT probe over the remarks termed “scurrilous” and “objectionable” by the courts, was partly defended by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who suggested that the minister may have intended to praise Col Sofiya Qureshi but “ended up saying something else” and failed to articulate himself properly. Mehta clarified that the view was his personal opinion and not a defence of Shah.
However, the bench remarked, “these political personalities, we know if they want to praise, how articulate they are with their words.”
The case stems from objectionable remarks made by Shah against Col Qureshi, who came into the national spotlight alongside Vyomika Singh during media briefings on Operation Sindoor. The Madhya Pradesh High Court had earlier criticised Shah for using “language of the gutters” and ordered registration of an FIR on charges related to promoting enmity and hatred.
The Supreme Court had subsequently constituted a Special Investigation Team to probe the case. According to the court, the SIT has completed its investigation and submitted its final report, but further proceedings are awaiting mandatory sanction from the state government under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Background of the Case
The controversy erupted when Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah made derogatory remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who had been involved in media briefings during Operation Sindoor. The remarks were widely condemned, leading to legal action. The Madhya Pradesh High Court had previously directed the registration of an FIR against Shah for using inappropriate language and promoting enmity.
The Supreme Court then established a Special Investigation Team to ensure a thorough probe. The SIT has since completed its investigation and submitted a final report. However, the prosecution cannot proceed without the state government's sanction, which has been delayed, prompting the Supreme Court's strong intervention.
Court's Observations
The bench expressed dissatisfaction with the state government's inaction, emphasizing that the delay was unacceptable. The Chief Justice noted that the minister's comments were not merely unfortunate but highly objectionable, and there was no sign of genuine repentance. The court also dismissed the suggestion that the minister's remarks were a poorly articulated attempt at praise, stating that political figures are usually articulate when they intend to compliment someone.
The court's stern stance underscores the importance of accountability for public officials and the need for timely legal processes. The four-week deadline given to the Madhya Pradesh government is a clear message that further delays will not be tolerated.
