MP Minister's Prosecution Sanction Awaits Governor's Nod, SC Told
Madhya Pradesh tells SC that a decision on sanction to prosecute minister Vijay Shah over remarks on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is expected shortly.
The Madhya Pradesh government has informed the Supreme Court that a decision on granting sanction to prosecute state minister Vijay Shah is expected shortly. The development comes in connection with his controversial remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, made during the period of Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V Mohana heard the matter on Monday. Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, representing the state, said the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has completed its probe and the prosecution sanction proposal has been forwarded to the Governor, the competent authority.
During the hearing, the court asked what course the SIT would take depending on the sanction decision. An SIT official said a charge sheet would be filed if sanction is granted; if refused, a closure report would be submitted.
Minister Shah has challenged the Madhya Pradesh High Court's suo motu order directing an FIR against him. Senior Advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for Shah, noted that the minister had apologised the day after his remarks and requested that the apology and representations be placed before the sanctioning authority. The Chief Justice said the court would not comment on the issue and adjourned the matter until a decision is taken.
The Congress has accused the state government of shielding Shah. Congress spokesperson Swadesh Sharma said the government could have removed him from the cabinet independently of the criminal proceedings, and that its inaction exposes double standards. The BJP has not issued an official response.
The Supreme Court had earlier expressed displeasure over the delay in deciding on the sanction, and in May directed the state to comply with its instructions.