Supreme CourtKunwar Vijay ShahColonel Sofiya QureshiMadhya PradeshMilitary
Supreme Court Slams BJP Minister Over 'Sister of Terrorists' Remark, Demands Prosecution Decision
Published: May 8, 2026
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The Supreme Court on Friday condemned remarks by Madhya Pradesh BJP Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah, who referred to Indian Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi as the 'sister of terrorists,' calling the comment 'most unfortunate' and noting the minister has shown no repentance. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi reiterated that Shah should have apologized immediately and rejected claims of remorse presented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who said Shah had privately apologized and intended no disrespect.
The court reminded the Madhya Pradesh government of its January 19 directive to decide on granting sanction for Shah's prosecution, stressing that 'enough is enough.' It refused to entertain further submissions from the state and Shah's side, ordering compliance within four weeks. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) had completed its probe and submitted its report recommending prosecution, but the process remains stalled pending government approval.
The apex court had earlier slammed Shah for failing to issue a public apology, calling it a 'test' of judicial patience, and had constituted the SIT on July 28, 2025, to investigate the matter. It had previously stayed Shah's arrest. The court had previously described the remarks as 'filthy, crass and shameful,' emphasizing the dignity owed to armed forces personnel. The Madhya Pradesh government must now act on the sanction request within the court-mandated deadline.