New Delhi, May 15, 2025 — The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to pass any interim relief in a petition filed by Madhya Pradesh BJP Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah, who sought a stay on the FIR registered against him over controversial remarks referring to Indian Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi as a “sister of terrorists”.
The matter was urgently mentioned before a Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice A.G. Masih. Senior Advocate Vibha Makhija, appearing for Shah, challenged the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s suo motu direction that had led to the lodging of the FIR.
During the hearing, Chief Justice Gavai observed orally, “A person holding such an office is expected to maintain such a decree… every sentence uttered by a minister has to be with responsibility.”
Makhija argued that Shah had already tendered an apology and that his statement had been widely misinterpreted by the media. She submitted that the remarks were taken out of context and highlighted that Shah did not intend to cause any offence.
Despite the submissions, the Supreme Court refused to intervene at this stage, noting that the FIR has already been registered. The Bench advised Shah to seek appropriate relief before the Madhya Pradesh High Court, stating, “Go and apply to HC. We will have it tomorrow.”
No interim protection from coercive action was granted by the apex court. The matter is now expected to be taken up by the High Court, which is already seized of the suo motu proceedings initiated against the minister.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi had gained public attention during ‘Operation Sindoor’, where she, along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, served as spokespersons briefing the media about the Indian Air Force’s operations against terror camps across the border.
