Bhopal, August 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet on Tuesday did not take up a proposal seeking sanction to prosecute Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah over his controversial remarks about Indian Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi during the ‘Operation Sindoor’ period.
Sources said the proposal was expected to be tabled before the Cabinet but was not included in the meeting’s agenda.
The development comes as the matter is pending before the Supreme Court, where the case is scheduled to be heard on August 31. Sources said the Mohan Yadav-led Madhya Pradesh government is likely to file an affidavit before the court on or before that date. The Cabinet may consider the prosecution sanction proposal after the court’s decision.
If approved by the Cabinet, the proposal will be sent to the Governor for consideration.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted to investigate the case has completed its inquiry and sought sanction to prosecute Shah under Section 196(1)(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Government sanction is required before prosecution proceedings can be initiated against a public servant, leaving the matter pending despite the completion of the SIT inquiry.
The controversy dates back to May 2025, when Shah, addressing a public gathering in Mhow near Indore, made remarks concerning Colonel Qureshi, who had briefed the media during India’s anti-terror operation ‘Operation Sindoor’. His comments were widely interpreted as linking her community with the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack.
The remarks triggered widespread criticism and demands for Shah’s resignation. The Madhya Pradesh High Court took suo motu cognisance of the matter, described the language used as “of the gutters” and directed registration of an FIR.
The Supreme Court subsequently constituted an SIT to investigate the matter and repeatedly questioned the Madhya Pradesh government over the delay in deciding on prosecution sanction.
On January 19, 2026, the apex court gave the BJP-led state government two weeks to take a decision. After no action followed, the court again directed compliance within four weeks in May. An office report submitted in July recorded that no documents had been filed, underscoring the continuing delay.
Shah has apologised for his remarks, attributing them to “patriotic fervour” and maintaining that he did not intend to disrespect Colonel Qureshi or the Indian Army. The Supreme Court, however, has previously questioned the sincerity of his apologies.
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