MP Govt May Seek More Time in Vijay Shah Case
State yet to decide on prosecution sanction over remarks on Army officer
- MP government likely to seek more time from Supreme Court
- Case relates to remarks by minister Vijay Shah on Army officer
- Court had set February 2 deadline for prosecution sanction decision
- SIT probe still underway; response due on February 9
GG News Bureau
Bhopal, 7th Feb: The Madhya Pradesh government is likely to seek additional time from the Supreme Court to take a final decision on granting prosecution sanction against state cabinet minister Vijay Shah, according to sources.
The matter relates to controversial remarks made by Shah last May against Indian Army Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, one of the two women officers who briefed the media on Operation Sindoor, India’s counterstrike on terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives.
Earlier on Saturday, Shah once again expressed regret over his remarks, saying he had no intention of insulting any woman officer, the Army, or any section of society. Speaking to reporters in Indore, he said his words were spoken “in a moment of patriotic fervour, excitement, and passion” and did not reflect his true feelings.
He added that maintaining decorum in public life is essential, acknowledged responsibility for the incident, and assured that such a mistake would not be repeated. The minister also issued a fresh apology to citizens, the armed forces, and those hurt by his comments.
Sources indicated that the state government may argue before the Supreme Court that the investigation is still incomplete and that a more detailed examination is required before any decision on prosecution sanction can be taken. The government is scheduled to file its response in the apex court on February 9.
The issue stems from the Supreme Court’s January 19 order directing the state government to decide within two weeks on the long-pending prosecution sanction against Shah, based on the findings of a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The deadline expired on February 2, but no final decision has been announced so far.
According to sources, the government has examined legal and political aspects of the case and kept the central leadership informed. Since the matter involves action against a sitting cabinet minister, approval from the Chief Minister is required.
The case is being investigated by a three-member SIT comprising Pramod Verma, Kalyan Chakraborty, and Vahini Singh. The team had earlier sought additional time to conduct a comprehensive probe.
The controversy dates back to May 11, when Shah allegedly made objectionable remarks about Colonel Qureshi during a public event in Raikunda village of Mhow in Indore district. The incident triggered widespread criticism and legal proceedings that eventually reached the Supreme Court.
With the state government now considering a request for more time, the apex court’s response on February 9 is expected to determine the next course of action in the politically sensitive case.
