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Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh: The Madhya Pradesh High Court has expressed strong disapproval over the police’s handling of the First Information Report (FIR) filed against state minister Kunwar Vijay Shah, following his derogatory remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a senior Indian Army officer. The court described the FIR as a “gross subterfuge” and announced it would directly monitor the investigation to ensure proper legal procedures are followed.

Background of the Incident

On May 13, during a public event in Raikunda village, Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah made controversial remarks refering to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who as an official spokesperson briefing media on a daily basis has been a prominent figure in India’s Operation Sindoor.

The Minister’s comments, perceived as derogatory and disrespectful towards a serving Army officer, sparked widespread criticism. The opposition Congress party filed a complaint, but no immediate action was taken by the police, prompting the High Court to take suo motu cognizance of the matter.

High Court’s Directive

On May 14, a division bench comprising Justice Atul Shreedharan and Justice Anuradha Shukla ordered the state Director General of Police to register an FIR against Shah under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including those pertaining to actions endangering national unity and promoting enmity. The court emphasized the importance of maintaining the dignity of the armed forces and warned of contempt proceedings if the FIR was not filed promptly.

Critique of the FIR

Despite the court’s directive, the FIR filed by the police was deemed inadequate by the High Court. The court criticized the FIR for lacking specific details of the alleged offenses and suggested it appeared to be an attempt to shield the minister rather than uphold justice. Consequently, the court announced it would oversee the investigation to ensure accountability and transparency.

Political Repercussions

The incident has led to significant political fallout. The Congress party has demanded Shah’s immediate dismissal, accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of protecting its leaders despite serious allegations. Prominent Congress figures, including Digvijaya Singh and Jitu Patwari, have criticized both Shah and the BJP leadership, questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the matter. The Mahila Congress and other leaders have also condemned Shah’s comments, branding them an insult to democracy and the Constitution.

Minister’s Response

In response to the backlash, Minister Shah issued an apology, stating, “She is like my sister. I salute her for her service to the nation. Still, if my words have hurt a community, then I am ready to apologize ten times.” However, the apology has not quelled the criticism, and Shah has indicated plans to challenge the High Court’s order legally.

The High Court’s intervention underscores the judiciary’s role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring those holding high public offices are held accountable for their actions. As the court monitors the investigation, the political and legal ramifications of this case continue to unfold.

This is a developing story; further updates will follow.