Bhopal, August 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet is likely to take a decision on Tuesday on granting prosecution sanction against Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah over his controversial remarks about Indian Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.
If approved, the proposal is expected to be forwarded to the Governor. The development comes ahead of the Supreme Court hearing in the case scheduled for August 31. The apex court has previously questioned the state government over the delay in deciding on the sanction.
A Special Investigation Team constituted on the Supreme Court’s directions has completed its probe and sought sanction to prosecute Shah under Section 196(1)(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The sanction is required before prosecution can proceed against a public servant in the circumstances involved in the case.
The controversy dates back to May 2025, when Shah, speaking at a public event in Mhow near Indore, made remarks that were widely criticised as linking Colonel Qureshi, who had briefed the media during Operation Sindoor, with the community associated with the Pahalgam terror attack.
The remarks triggered widespread outrage and legal proceedings. The Madhya Pradesh High Court took suo motu cognisance and directed registration of an FIR. The Supreme Court subsequently ordered an SIT probe and repeatedly sought a decision from the state government on the prosecution sanction. In January 2026, the apex court directed the state to take an appropriate decision after noting that the SIT report had been pending since August 2025.
Shah has apologised on multiple occasions, attributing his remarks to “patriotic fervour” and maintaining that he did not intend to disrespect Colonel Qureshi or the Army. The Supreme Court, however, has questioned the sincerity and adequacy of the apology.
The Cabinet’s decision is expected to have both legal and political significance as the matter comes up before the Supreme Court on August 31.
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