Bhopal– In a significant development, the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Tuesday took suo motu cognizance and ordered the registration of an FIR against BJP leader and State Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his derogatory remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a senior army officer. The Court described Shah’s language as “disparaging, dangerous, and the language of gutters,” warning that such comments not only insult Col Qureshi but also undermine the integrity of the Indian armed forces, reported the Livelaw.
Col Sofiya Qureshi had been in the spotlight recently, alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, for briefing the media on Operation “Sindoor” — a military initiative against Pakistan. In this context, Vijay Shah allegedly referred to her as a “sister of terrorists,” a statement the Court deemed unpardonable.
A division bench comprising Justice Atul Sreedharan and Justice Anuradha Shukla ruled that prima facie, Shah’s statement attracts several serious provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023:
Section 152 BNS: Offence relating to acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
Section 196(1)(b) BNS: Offence prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony among different religious or community groups.
Section 197 BNS: Offence relating to assertions that incite enmity or hatred among different religious or community groups.
The Court noted that Shah’s remarks implied separatist leanings simply based on Col Qureshi’s Muslim identity, thus fueling communal disharmony and hate. It remarked that such statements have the “propensity to create the impression that regardless of one’s patriotism and sacrifice, being a Muslim still makes one vulnerable to baseless accusations.”
The High Court directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to register an FIR by Tuesday evening without delay. The Court warned that failure to do so would lead to proceedings under the Contempt of Courts Act. Justice Sreedharan emphasized urgency, stating: “Register, register right now… I may not be alive tomorrow… I am giving you four hours.”
The Court’s strong stand sends a clear message against communal and defamatory speech targeting those serving the nation.
