Bhopal, Aug 31 (IANS) A delegation of Congress MLAs, led by Leader of the Opposition Umang Singhar, will meet the Governor of Madhya Pradesh regarding prosecution permission against state Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah, who is in controversy for remarks against Indian Army Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.
The matter has reached the Supreme Court, where the Madhya Pradesh government on Monday informed a bench that a decision on sanction for prosecution against Shah is pending with the Governor.
The government also said the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has completed its investigation and sent the sanction proposal to the Governor.
The case arises from Shah’s remarks referring to “sisters of terrorists” during Operation Sindoor, which triggered widespread controversy. Although Shah later apologised, the issue led to legal proceedings.
He has challenged in the Supreme Court the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s suo motu order directing registration of an FIR over his comments.
During Monday’s hearing before a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana, Additional Solicitor General K.M. Nataraj, appearing for the state government, submitted that the investigation has been completed.
The SIT told the court it had submitted its probe report in a sealed envelope. However, sanction to prosecute Shah remains pending at the Governor’s level, with an indication that a decision is likely by Tuesday.
Chief Justice Surya Kant asked the SIT official what further steps would follow once the sanction decision is taken. The government told the court that if sanction is granted, it will file a charge sheet; if denied, it will submit a closure report.
The Supreme Court is examining the larger issues surrounding Shah’s controversial remarks against Colonel Qureshi and the subsequent legal process. The pending sanction from the Governor remains the key procedural step before any formal prosecution can proceed.
Meanwhile, the Congress legislature party has decided to raise the matter formally with the Governor, underscoring the issue’s political sensitivity in the state.
–IANS
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