The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Wednesday directed the police to register an FIR against BJP minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his derogatory remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a decorated Army officer involved in Operation Sindoor.
Justice Atul Sreedharan issued a stern order, instructing the Director General of Police (DGP) to act by the evening, warning that failure to comply could result in proceedings under the Contempt of Courts Act. The court held that Section 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) — which punishes speech inciting enmity — appeared prima facie applicable.
While Shah’s counsel argued that the directive was based only on media reports, the court responded that it would now include video evidence in the official record. The urgency of the matter was underscored by Justice Sreedharan’s remark, “I may not be alive tomorrow.”
The controversy stems from a statement made by Vijay Shah at an event in Indore on Monday, where he reportedly said:
“Those who widowed our daughters, we sent a sister of their own to teach them a lesson,”
— a comment widely perceived as a reference to Col Qureshi, who briefed the nation on India’s recent operation against cross-border terrorism.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) strongly condemned the remarks. Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, without naming Shah, described the comments as “extremely unfortunate” and a “blow to the dignity of women serving the nation.”
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who appeared alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during press briefings on Operation Sindoor, has been widely lauded for her courage and clarity.
Political reactions have been swift. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called the remarks “shameful and vulgar,” while voices within the BJP also criticized Shah, prompting him to issue an apology on Tuesday.
As public support continues to rally behind Colonel Qureshi, this case has become a flashpoint in the debate over respect for women in uniform and accountability in public discourse.
