Controversy Surrounds Minister Vijay Shah as Cabinet Delays Prosecution Approval

Bhopal, August 25: The Madhya Pradesh cabinet did not discuss the proposal for prosecution approval against Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah during its meeting on Tuesday. This follows a controversial remark he made about Colonel Sofia Quraishi during ‘Operation Sindoor’.

Sources indicate that while preparations were underway to present the proposal, it was ultimately excluded from the agenda. The state government may file an affidavit in the Supreme Court by August 31, the date set for the next hearing in the case. It is believed that the cabinet will consider the proposal after the court’s decision.

Once approved, the proposal will be forwarded to the governor. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to investigate the matter has completed its inquiry and requested prosecution approval against Vijay Shah under Section 196(1)(a) of the Indian Penal Code. Approval from the state government is necessary to prosecute a public servant, which has left the case pending despite the SIT’s report.

In May 2025, during a public event near Indore in Mhow, Vijay Shah made the controversial comment regarding Colonel Sofia Quraishi, who had informed the media about India’s anti-terrorism operation ‘Operation Sindoor’.

His remark was widely interpreted as linking Colonel Quraishi to the “community” of terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack. This sparked nationwide protests and calls for his resignation.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court took suo motu cognizance of the comment, labeling it “gutter language” and ordered an FIR to be filed. Subsequently, the Supreme Court formed an SIT to investigate the matter and reprimanded the state government multiple times for delays in granting prosecution approval.

In January 2026, the Supreme Court directed the government to make a decision within two weeks. When no action was taken, it reiterated the need for a decision within four weeks in May. A report in July indicated that no documents had been submitted by the government.

Vijay Shah has since apologized, stating that his comments were made in a patriotic fervor and were not intended to insult Colonel Sofia Quraishi or the Indian Army. However, the Supreme Court has previously questioned the sincerity of his apology.