New Delhi, 31 August (H.S.): The Madhya Pradesh Police on Monday submitted its investigation report to the Supreme Court in a sealed cover in connection with the controversial remarks made by state minister Vijay Shah concerning Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who was part of the press briefing related to Operation Sindoor. The Madhya Pradesh Police informed a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Suryakant that the requisite sanction for prosecuting Vijay Shah is still pending before the Governor. The Supreme Court, however, declined to intervene in the issue of sanction at this stage, observing that it would “remain silent” for now.

During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, appearing for the Madhya Pradesh government, said that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) had completed its investigation and that the report had been sent to the Governor for the necessary sanction to prosecute Shah. He said the Governor was expected to take a decision by September 1.

The court then asked what would happen if a decision was taken. The SIT chief, who was present in the courtroom, said that if sanction for prosecution was granted, a chargesheet would be filed, while a closure report would be submitted if the sanction was denied.

During the hearing, senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for Vijay Shah, submitted that the minister had apologised after making the remarks. The court thereafter said it would not comment on the matter. In an earlier hearing, the Supreme Court had reprimanded the Madhya Pradesh government over the delay in granting sanction to take action against Shah.

On May 19, 2025, the Supreme Court had stayed Shah’s arrest subject to his joining the investigation. The court had also ordered the constitution of a three-member SIT to investigate the matter. During the hearing, the court had strongly criticised Shah over his remarks, observing that the statement had “shamed the entire country.” Earlier, on May 15, 2025, the Supreme Court had reprimanded Shah, questioning how he could make such a statement and reminding him that he was a minister in the government. The court had observed that when the country is passing through a crisis, every word carries significance and public representatives must understand their responsibility.

Vijay Shah has challenged the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s order directing the registration of an FIR against him. At a public event in Indore, Shah had made controversial remarks without directly naming Colonel Sofia Qureshi. The remarks triggered widespread outrage. The High Court took suo motu cognisance of the matter and ordered that an FIR be registered against Shah. Following the High Court’s order, the FIR was registered against the minister.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar