New Delhi, Jan 18: The Supreme Court is likely to hear on January 19 a plea filed by Madhya Pradesh minister Kunwar Vijay Shah challenging a high court order that directed registration of an FIR against him for making objectionable remarks against Indian Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Dipankar Datta and Joymalya Bagchi is expected to take up the matter. Shah has expressed regret over the comments that triggered widespread criticism.
Earlier, on July 28, 2025, the apex court had sharply reprimanded the minister for failing to place a public apology on record, observing that he was “testing the court’s patience.” The bench had also raised doubts over Shah’s intentions and bonafide conduct.
Senior advocate K Parmeshwar, appearing for Shah, had submitted that the minister had issued a public apology online and would place it formally on record. However, the court questioned the adequacy of an online apology and insisted it be submitted officially.
The Supreme Court had also directed the special investigation team (SIT), constituted to probe the case, to submit its report by August 13, 2025. During a previous hearing, an SIT officer informed the court that statements of 27 individuals had been recorded and were under examination.
The bench had noted that the SIT should prioritise recording statements of those whose sentiments were allegedly hurt by the remarks, rather than focusing solely on Shah’s version.
On May 28 last year, the Supreme Court had ordered the closure of proceedings before the Madhya Pradesh High Court and sought a status report from the SIT. The SIT was constituted after the apex court earlier took strong exception to Shah’s remarks.
The controversy arose after a video surfaced showing Shah allegedly making derogatory comments against Col Qureshi, who had gained national recognition along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh during media briefings on Operation Sindoor.
The high court had described Shah’s remarks as “scurrilous” and accused him of using “language of the gutters,” directing police to register an FIR on charges related to promoting enmity and hatred. Following the backlash, Shah said he respected Col Qureshi “more than his sister” and expressed remorse for his statements.