Archive · 25 Aug 2026
MP Government Moves to Deny Prosecution Sanction for Shah
The Special Investigation Team wants to prosecute Minister Vijay Shah over comments about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.
The team needs permission from the government because Shah is a public servant.
The Madhya Pradesh government plans to refuse that permission.
Ministers will first consider the proposal, and it may then go to the governor.
The Supreme Court is also looking at the case.
If permission is refused, the case will not automatically end.
Lawyers say prosecution could happen later if Shah is no longer a minister.
The law involved can carry up to three years in prison and a fine.
Madhya Pradesh’s Home Department plans to seek cabinet approval to deny prosecution sanction against Tribal Welfare Minister Vijay Shah.
The Special Investigation Team sought permission to prosecute Shah over remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.
The proposal is expected to go to the cabinet on Tuesday and then to the governor.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the case on August 31 after earlier delays in the government’s decision.
The case would continue without sanction, and prosecution could potentially proceed once Shah leaves office.
- Who
- The Madhya Pradesh government, Tribal Welfare Minister Vijay Shah, the Special Investigation Team, the governor and the Supreme Court are involved.
- What
- The state government plans to deny permission for prosecuting Vijay Shah under Section 196(1)(a) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita.
- When
- The proposal is expected before the cabinet on Tuesday; the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the case on August 31. The government’s decision has been pending for about a year.
- Where
- The matter concerns Madhya Pradesh and is being considered by the Supreme Court.
- Why
- The government’s refusal could preserve Shah’s ministerial position, while prosecution approval could have forced him to resign.
Government position
Prosecution and legal concerns
Whether prosecution should proceed
Government position
The Madhya Pradesh government plans to deny the Special Investigation Team permission to prosecute Vijay Shah, potentially allowing him to retain his cabinet position.
Prosecution and legal concerns
The Special Investigation Team sought prosecution approval, and legal experts say the case can continue even if approval is denied.
Effect of refusing permission
Government position
A refusal would prevent immediate prosecution while Shah remains a public servant because government sanction is required.
Prosecution and legal concerns
Legal experts say prosecution could take place later, without further permission, if Shah leaves the ministry.
- Minister involved
- Vijay Shah, Madhya Pradesh’s Tribal Welfare Minister
- Alleged remarks
- Shah reportedly called Colonel Sofiya Qureshi the sister of terrorists.
- Requested provision
- Section 196(1)(a) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS)
- Maximum punishment
- The provision carries up to three years’ imprisonment and a fine.
- Required approval
- Under Section 217 of the BNS, government permission is required to prosecute a public servant.
- Pending decision
- The prosecution-sanction request has reportedly been pending with the government for about one year.
- Next Supreme Court hearing
- August 31