BREAKING: Supreme Court To Hear BJP's Vijay Shah’s Plea Tomorrow Against FIR Over Remarks On Col. Sofiya Qureshi

Senior Advocate Vibha Makhija, appearing for Shah, mentioned the matter before a Bench led by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai.

“What kind of petition is this?” the CJI asked, at the outset.

Makhija submitted that Shah’s statement was misunderstood and that he had already expressed remorse, which was on record. “The High Court has exceeded its jurisdiction,” she added, seeking protection from coercive action until she could be heard.

"A person holding public office is expected to uphold a certain standard. Every sentence spoken by a minister must reflect a sense of responsibility," the CJI remarked.

The CJI noted that the FIR had already been registered and advised her to approach the High Court for interim relief.

However, the Bench agreed to list the matter for hearing tomorrow.

Makhija further requested that the Supreme Court Registrar inform the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which is hearing the matter today, that no action should be taken in the interim.

Background

On May 14, the Jabalpur Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court took suo motu cognisance of Shah’s comments; made during a public event in Mhow, where he referred to Col. Qureshi in communal and sexist terms, implying she was sent as “revenge” against terrorists.

The High Court described the remarks as "dangerous," "disparaging," and using "language of the gutters," observing they amounted to prima facie offences under stringent criminal provisions. It further said such statements stigmatize the Muslim community and threaten constitutional values of unity and fraternity.