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Hindustan Times
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
SC extends its order staying MP minister's arrest, closes HC trial
The Supreme Court on Wednesday extended its interim order staying the arrest of BJP minister Kunwar Vijay Shah in connection with a case registered by the Madhya Pradesh police over his 'sister of terrorists' remark targeting Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Dipankar Datta also directed the Madhya Pradesh high court to close the suo motu proceedings related to the same case pending before it, since the apex court is now hearing the matter. The court issued the direction after Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, who appeared for the Madhya Pradesh government, informed the bench that in compliance with its earlier order, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising three officers had been constituted to investigate the case against Shah and its probe was currently underway. The court also took on record a status report filed by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Bhopal, which stated that the SIT had visited the site and begun its investigation on May 21. The report also said that the SIT had seized further material, including a transcript of Shah's speech and some mobile phones, and that it had begun recording statements of witnesses. Since its investigation is still at a preliminary stage, the SIT sought additional time. The court agreed and posted the matter for further hearing after regular hearings resume in mid-July this year. It directed the SIT to continue its probe in the meanwhile and also to submit a fresh status report on the next date of hearing. On May 19 this year, the Supreme Court took exception to Shah's communal comments targetting Colonel Qureshi. It rejected the apology offered by Shah and directed the state police, which had until then dragged its feet over investigating the case despite being ordered to do so by the high court, to constitute the SIT to probe the case against the minister. At the time it restrained the police from arresting Shah until further orders. The court passed the order on a petition filed by Shah against the Madhya Pradesh high court order of May 14 that took suo motu cognisance of his remarks and ordered the police to register a first information report (FIR) against him. The FIR against Shah was filed under sections 152 (an act endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India), 196(1) (an act which is prejudicial to maintenance of harmony between different religious, racial, language or regional groups or castes or communities and which disturbs or is likely to disturb public tranquillity) and 197 (1) (c) (causing disharmony or feelings of enmity) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at the Manpur police station in Indore rural. Shah's case has become especially controversial given the inertia displayed by the police in investigating his clearly communal comments, something that is in stark contrast to the alacrity displayed by the Haryana police in arresting a professor at a private university after his Facebook post was misinterpreted by two BJP members, including the head of the state women's body, who then complained about it.
India Gazette
25-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
MP: Congress leaders hold press conference, demand action against minister Vijay Shah
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], May 25 (ANI): In a press conference held in Bhopal, Congress leaders Arun Yadav, former Union Minister, and Arif Masood, Congress MLA, demanded action against Minister Vijay Shah for his comment on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, citing the BJP's inaction on the matter. The Congress leaders demanded a fair and independent investigation into the matter under the supervision of the Supreme Court. 'We reiterate our demand for Vijay Shah's dismissal and a probe under the Supreme Court's supervision,' Arun Yadav said. 'I'm deeply disturbed by the recent statement made by Minister Vijay Shah, a seven-time lawmaker from Khandwa, targeting our brave Army officer Sofia Qureshi. The entire nation is ashamed of his actions, and it's shocking that it's been almost a month since the scandal broke out, yet no action has been taken against him. This raises serious questions about the governments of Madhya Pradesh and India, led by Narendra Modi. My colleague, Arif Masood, will provide more details on this matter,' he added. This comes after Kunwar Vijay Shah stirred a row with his objectionable remark on Colonel Sofia Qureshi, who briefed the media about Operation Sindoor. Speaking at an event, Shah had said, 'Those who widowed our daughters [in Pahalgam], we sent their sister to teach them a lesson.' The state minister later apologised, expressing regret over his remark, 'I am not a God; I'm too human, and I apologise ten times.' The minister further said, 'I am a patriotic man, and people of every community worked for the nation. If something slipped out in anger and someone felt bad, I would like to say that I am not a god but a human being apologise ten times for it.' Earlier, SP Dalit leader Awadhesh Prasad demanded the dismissal of Madhya Pradesh BJP Cabinet Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah from the government over his remarks on Colonel Sofia, calling it an insult to the armed forces and the country's military history. President Ajay Rai too slammed Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah over his objectionable remark on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. Calling Kunwar Vijay Shah's remark an insult to women, the army and the people of the country, Ajay Rai requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take action against the MP Cabinet Minister. 'The nation is saddened by Colonel Sofiya Qureshi's insult, who increased the nation's respect. Insult to her is an insult to the women, the army and the people of the country. I request PM Modi to take action against such a leader and suspend him immediately,' Ajay Rai said. (ANI)
Hans India
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Sofiya Qureshi row: Vijay Shah stays away from MP cabinet meet
Bhopal: Eventually, Madhya Pradesh Tribal Welfare Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah opted to skip the cabinet meeting amid ongoing controversy surrounding his 'offensive' remarks about senior Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. His decision to stay away comes in the wake of the Supreme Court's directive to form a Special Investigation Team to probe the matter. In compliance, the Director General of Police has formed a team of senior IPS officers: Pramod Verma, Inspector General (IGP) of Sagar; Kalyana Chakravarthy, Deputy Inspector General of the Special Armed Forces (SAF); and Vahini Singh, Superintendent of Police (SP) in Dindori. The historic Rajwada Palace in Indore became the focal point of political and cultural significance on Tuesday as the Madhya Pradesh cabinet convened a special meeting to commemorate the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar -- the revered ruler of Indore. The meeting organised in the Ganesh Hall of Rajwada aimed to honour her legacy and discuss key developmental initiatives for the state. One of the key agenda items for the cabinet meeting was the presentation of the 'MP Metropolitan Planning and Development Act 2025.' Additionally, a budget of Rs 2,200 crore was earmarked for the construction of Advaita Lok, an Adi Shankar Museum in Omkareshwar. The state's Vision Document 2047 was also set for discussion, divided into eight thematic groups. The significance of Rajwada as a venue for ministerial deliberations dates back to 1945, when Yashwant Rao III presided over the last Council of Ministers meeting at this historic site. In a parallel effort to preserve Indore's architectural heritage, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav led the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony for the restoration of gardens at both Lalbagh Palace and Rajwada Palace. The Indore Municipal Corporation has allocated Rs 20 lakh for the beautification of these spaces. Rajwada, a structure with a legacy spanning over two centuries, has witnessed the ebb and flow of history. It suffered damage during the 1984 riots, necessitating extensive restoration efforts decades later. More recently, under the Smart City Project, the palace underwent a major refurbishment for Rs 20 crore, restoring its grandeur. Ahilyabai Holkar, born into a distinguished Marathi Hindu family, was the daughter of Mankoji and Sushila Shinde from Chandi village, now part of Ahmednagar district in Maharashtra. Her father, a member of the Dhangar community, ensured she was raised in an environment steeped in tradition and virtue. Her rise to prominence was shaped by her association with Malhar Rao Holkar, a formidable commander in the army of Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao I and the ruler of Malwa. She later established Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh as the seat of the Holkar dynasty, leaving behind a legacy of governance and architectural marvels.
News18
20-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
'Crocodile Tears': SC Orders SIT Probe Into MP Minister Vijay Shah's 'Crass Remarks' On Col Sofiya
The Supreme Court on Monday categorically rejected Madhya Pradesh Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah's apology after his controversial remarks, referring to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who represented India's media briefings on Operation Sindoor, as a 'sister of terrorists".The apex court ripped into the BJP minister, saying, 'Where is that apology? What kind of apology have you tendered? There is some meaning of apology. Sometimes people use docile language only to wriggle out of proceeding. Sometimes they shed crocodile tears. What kind of apology is yours?" n18oc_indian18oc_politicsNews18 Mobile App -
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
SC constitutes SIT to probe FIR against MP Minister Vijay Shah on "shameful" remarks targetting Col Sofiya Qureshi
The Supreme Court on Friday slammed BJP minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who had briefed the media about Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, and ordered constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of three IPS officers to probe the matter. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Supreme Court on Friday came down heavily on Madhya Pradesh BJP minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi , who had briefed the media about Operation Sindoor against court ordered the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising three IPS officers to probe the matter.A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh directed that the SIT must consist of three senior IPS officers from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, who are currently serving in the state but do not originally belong to it. The court also specified that one of the officers must be a apex court instructed the Director General of Police to constitute the SIT by May the minister's remarks as "filthy, crass and shameful", the court rejected Shah's public apology, calling it insincere. "The nation is ashamed of you (Shah). Redemption is yours to seek," said Justice Surya Kant While the court stayed Shah's arrest, it directed him to join and fully cooperate with the the bench said it would not monitor the investigation directly, it made it clear that it would keep a close watch on the SIT has been asked to submit a status report on the probe, and the matter has been posted for hearing on May 28."Having gone through the statements by the petitioner (Shah) and the FIR, we are of the opinion that the subject FIR shall be probed by a SIT with three senior IPS officers who do not belong to the MP cadre but are in MP. Let the SIT be constituted by tomorrow. Let one member be a woman officer. Both members shall be above the rank of superintendent of police. The head member shall not be below the rank of IG or DGP," the bench stated in its order."Though we are not inclined to monitor the probe, in the peculiar facts and circumstances of the case, we direct the SIT to submit the outcome of its probe through a status report before this court," the court further Supreme Court was hearing a plea filed by Shah challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court 's suo motu order to register an FIR against him over his remarks against Colonel the hearing, senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for Shah, said that the minister had publicly apologised for his comments. However, the court questioned the sincerity of his apology. Justice Kant said, "What kind of apology? What is that apology? Sometimes people apologise to wriggle out of legal liabilities. Sometimes crocodile tears. What kind of apology is yours?"Justice Kant slammed Shah for his remarks, calling them completely thoughtless and "crass".He continued, "What prevented you from making a sincere attempt? We don't require your apology. We know how to deal with it as per the law. We have rejected your apology. You have said 'if somebody is hurt'... You are not even ready to take responsibility."Justice Kant said that Shah, as a public figure and seasoned politician, should "weigh his words" before speaking."You are fully exposed to the public. Sentiments of people were ruthlessly hurt..." Justice Kant observed, adding that it was now up to Shah to redeem himself."We are a country that thoroughly believes in the rule of law. We follow the same principle for everyone," Justice Kant bench also questioned the state government's inaction in registering the FIR, saying, "What have you done? When the High Court had to intervene and rewrite your FIR, what did you do? Has it been examined whether any cognisable offence is made out? People expect state action will be fair. High Court has done its duty, they thought a suo motu action was needed... You should have done something more by now."On May 14, the Madhya Pradesh High Court ordered police to register an FIR against Shah, taking suo motu cognisance of his controversial remarks against Colonel Qureshi. The FIR was registered under Sections 152, 196(1)(b), and 197(1)(c) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).The High Court had warned that if the FIR was not registered by the evening of May 14, it might proceed against the Director General of Police for May 15, the High Court criticised the police over the FIR, calling it a "gross subterfuge" and said it would monitor the case without interfering in the investigation. The matter was then posted for hearing on June controversy erupted after a video clip of Shah's speech went viral on social media. In his clarification, Shah said his remarks were taken out of context and were meant to praise Colonel Qureshi's bravery.
