A petition was filed in the Supreme Court on Wednesday (July 23, 2025) seeking the removal of Madhya Pradesh Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for violating his oath of office by making “nauseating” remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, an Armed Forces officer who briefed the media during Operation Sindoor.
The petition filed by Dr Jaya Thakur, represented by advocate Varun Thakur, has sought a writ of quo warranto (questioning the right of a person to continue in a particular office). The petition argued that his remarks amounted to a violation of Mr. Shah’s oath of office under Article 164(3) of the Constitution.
“At a public function, he has referred to Col. Sofiya Qureshi as the sister of terrorists who carried out the killings of 26 innocent Indians at Pahalgam… The statement of the Minister… encourages feelings of separatist activities by imputing separatist feelings to anyone who is Muslim…” the petition alleged.
The Supreme Court is already seized of a petition filed by Mr. Shah to quash the FIR registered against him for his remarks.
On May 19, a Bench headed by Justice Surya Kant, however, directed the constitution of a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the FIR and submit the findings in a status report.
The SIT had sought more time on May 28, informing the court that the probe was still in its initial stage. The court had fixed the next hearing on July 28.
In the May 19 hearing, Justice Kant had remarked that the Minister’s comments amounted to “crass, thoughtless remarks”. The court said there was no point apologising to the court merely to “wriggle out of a situation”.
“Instead of leading by example, you, a public figure and a politician of experience, do this most unfortunate thing… The sentiments of the people were ruthlessly hurt by your comments. You should have done or said something to convey your sincere regret,” Justice Kant had addressed Mr. Shah’s side in court. eom
Published – July 23, 2025 09:56 pm IST
