MP HC orders FIR against Minister Vijay Shah for 'sister of terrorists' remark on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi

The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, directed the state police to register an FIR against Cabinet Minister Vijay Shah over his controversial remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. The court took suo motu cognizance of the issue after news reports highlighted Shah's statement, where he referred to Colonel Qureshi as the "sister of terrorists." The court ordered the Director General of Police (DGP), Kailash Makwana, to file the FIR within four hours under Sections 196 and 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deal with promoting enmity between groups and endangering the sovereignty and integrity of India.

The remarks made by Vijay Shah on May 12, 2025, came during a public event when he referenced "Operation Sindoor," the military operation aimed at terrorists in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. While not directly naming Colonel Qureshi, Shah implied that she, along with others, had been sent to retaliate against the terrorists. He claimed that the Prime Minister had dispatched a "terrorist's sister" to exact revenge for the killing of Indian soldiers. This statement sparked widespread condemnation, with critics accusing Shah of disrespecting Colonel Qureshi, a decorated officer in the Indian Army.

Following the public backlash, Shah attempted to clarify his statement, claiming that his words had been misconstrued. He said he was referring to the broader military response and not targeting any individual, but his explanation did little to quell the uproar. Political leaders from across the spectrum condemned the remarks, with the Congress party demanding immediate action against Shah, calling his comments disgraceful and unacceptable.

In response to the controversy, the Madhya Pradesh BJP distanced itself from Shah's remarks. The party's state president, V.D. Sharma, stated that the leadership had taken note of Shah's comments and issued him a warning. Sharma emphasized that the BJP holds respect for Colonel Qureshi and the entire armed forces, and no one in the party has the right to make derogatory remarks about such esteemed individuals. A senior BJP leader also confirmed that Shah was summoned to the party headquarters and reprimanded for his statement.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) also weighed in on the issue, condemning Shah’s remarks as inappropriate and urging politicians and public figures to use more respectful language when referring to women, especially those in the armed forces. The NCW emphasized the need for greater sensitivity in public discourse, particularly in relation to women’s contributions to national security.