Supreme Court Halts Madhya Pradesh Proceedings, SIT Probes Controversial Remarks by BJP Minister
(Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
New Delhi, May 28, 2025: The Supreme Court has taken a decisive step in the ongoing controversy surrounding Kunwar Vijay Shah, a Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Madhya Pradesh minister, by closing the proceedings previously initiated by the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The case centres around Shah’s controversial remarks regarding Sofia Qureshi, an army officer who had briefed the media on India’s recent military operation against Pakistan.
A bench comprising Justices Dipankar Dutta and Surya Kant ruled that there should be no parallel proceedings, acknowledging that the Supreme Court is already seized of the matter. The Madhya Pradesh High Court had earlier initiated Suo motu proceedings against Shah and ordered a criminal case against him before he moved the apex court seeking relief.
In response to the controversy, the Supreme Court had constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to probe the matter thoroughly. The court also directed investigators to proceed with their inquiry while granting Shah interim protection from arrest. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Madhya Pradesh government, informed the court that the SIT had begun its probe and had already seized Shah’s mobile phone for examination.
During the latest hearing, the Supreme Court acknowledged a status report filed by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, confirming that a three-member SIT had been established. Investigators had already collected relevant materials, including a transcript of Shah’s speech and recorded statements. The court noted that the probe was still in its early stages and granted more time for its completion, directing that a detailed status report be submitted in due course while allowing the interim order to remain in effect.
The controversy erupted after Shah allegedly made an inflammatory remark at a public event in Raikunta village, Ambedkar Nagar, implying that individuals who dishonour daughters should face consequences. His comments were widely interpreted as a reference to Sofia Qureshi, sparking fierce public backlash and calls for his removal from office.
As the investigation unfolds, the Supreme Court has issued stern remarks against Shah, stating that his comments have shamed the entire nation and emphasizing that it is up to him to redeem himself.
