Archive · 20 Jan 2026
SC Reprimands MP for Delay in Prosecuting Minister Shah
The Supreme Court scolded the Madhya Pradesh government for taking too long to decide whether to allow the prosecution of a state minister, Kunwar Vijay Shah.
Shah made some hurtful comments about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, an army officer, almost five months ago.
The court-appointed team investigating the case had already submitted their report, but the government hadn't made a decision yet.
The Supreme Court told the government to make up their mind within two weeks.
Shah had apologized, but the court didn't accept his apology, saying it was too late.
The court also noted that Shah had made other questionable remarks in the past.
The case is about whether Shah's words were harmful and if he should be punished for them.
The Supreme Court reprimanded the Madhya Pradesh government for delaying a decision on prosecuting Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.
The SIT submitted its report on August 19, 2025, but the state government had not taken any action by January 19, 2026.
The Supreme Court directed the state government to decide on the prosecution sanction within two weeks.
Shah's apology was rejected by the court, which stated that it was too late and not genuine.
The court noted that the SIT report mentioned other instances of allegedly objectionable remarks by Shah.
- Who
- Madhya Pradesh government and Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah
- What
- Delay in granting sanction to prosecute Shah for controversial remarks
- When
- January 19, 2026 (Supreme Court hearing)
- Where
- Supreme Court of India
- Why
- Shah's remarks were deemed disparaging and dangerous, promoting communal hatred
Government's Stance
Supreme Court's Stance
Delay in Decision
Government's Stance
The Madhya Pradesh government has delayed taking action on the SIT report.
Supreme Court's Stance
The Supreme Court has directed the government to decide within two weeks.
Apology Acceptance
Government's Stance
Not explicitly stated, but implied that the government might have considered the apology.
Supreme Court's Stance
The Supreme Court rejected the apology, stating it was too late and not genuine.
- Minister Involved
- Kunwar Vijay Shah
- Controversial Remarks
- Comments against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi
- SIT Report Submitted
- August 19, 2025
- Supreme Court Hearing
- January 19, 2026
- Charges Filed
- Sections 152, 196(1)(b), 197(1)(c) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
- Apology Status
- Rejected by Supreme Court
- Decision Deadline
- Two weeks from January 19, 2026
Sources
Supreme Court pulls up MP govt for delay in sanction to prosecute Minister Kunwar Shah
SC asks Madhya Pradesh to decide on sanction to prosecute minister for Colonel Sofiya Qureshi remark
MP News: 'Apology Came Too Late,' Supreme Court On Minister Vijay Shah's Remarks Against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi; Asks Govt To Decide On Prosecution Within 2 Weeks
Col Sofiya Qureshi Remarks Row: Supreme Court Directs MP Govt To Decide On Prosecution Sanction Against Minister Vijay Shah
SC Raps MP For Delay in Permission to Quiz Minister
Cong demands sacking of MP minister over his remarks against Col Qureshi
MP News: Supreme Court Rejects Minister Vijay Shah Apology, Pulls Up State Government Over Delay In Sanction For Prosecution
SC To MP: Decide On Prosecuting Minister Vijay Shah In 2 Weeks
Supreme Court gives MP 2 weeks to take call on minister for remarks on Col Sofiya Qureshi
MP News: Time Is Ripe For BJP To Tell Vijay Shah To Quit
Supreme court raps Madhya Pradesh over delay in sanction against minister Vijay Shah - Telegraph India
SC Orders MP Govt To Decide On Minister’s Prosecution Over Col Sofiya Remark