MP High Court Directs FIR Against BJP Minister For Derogatory Comments On Colonel Sofiya Qureshi

BJP Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah's remark was also condemned by the National Commission for Women.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Wednesday, May 14, ordered the registration of an FIR against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) minister Kunwar Vijay Shah. This happened over his derogatory remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. The court told the director general of police to take action by today evening. They also said that failure to comply would lead to proceedings under the Contempt of Courts Act.

MP HC Takes Action Against BJP Minister

When the BJP minister’s counsel argued that the court’s decision was solely based on newspaper reports, they responded by saying that video links would also be added to the official record. Upon one more request from the advocate, Justice Atul Sreedharan remarked, “I may not be alive tomorrow,” highlighting the urgency of the matter.

The court determined that Section 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which punishes comments or actions that incite hatred between various groups based on religion, is prima facie applicable in this case. Tensions broke out in MP after state tribal affairs minister Vijay Shah made derogatory remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, one of the two Army officers who briefed the media about Operation Sindoor.

Also Read: Did You Know Sofiya Qureshi’s Sister Is Related To Bollywood? More Details Inside!

His controversial comment was made during an event in Indore on Monday, May 12. He quickly issued an apology the next day following heavy condemnation from the opposition as well as criticism from his own party. In an alleged reference to Col Sofiya, Shah said, Those who widowed our daughters, we sent a sister of their own to teach them a lesson.”

Also Read: Who Is Colonel Sofiya Qureshi? Army Officer Who Briefed Operation Sindoor With Foreign Secretary

His remark was also condemned by the National Commission for Women, calling on society to honour and respect women serving in the armed forces. Though the NCW Chairman, Vijaya Rahtkar, did not take any names, her comment highlighted a wave of anger with this remark from the Madhya Pradesh minister.

First Published: May 14, 2025 6:15 PM