Supreme Court Extends Stay on BJP Minister Vijay Shah's Arrest Amid Controversy

Supreme Court's Decision on Vijay Shah's Arrest

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court prolonged its interim order that prevents the arrest of BJP minister Kunwar Vijay Shah, following his controversial remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who had addressed the media regarding Operation Sindoor against Pakistan.

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotishwar Singh also concluded the suo moto proceedings initiated by the Madhya Pradesh High Court concerning Shah's statements, as the Supreme Court is currently handling the case.

The bench stated, "Let the High Court conclude the proceedings in light of the ongoing case here. There should be no parallel proceedings," as part of their ruling.

During the hearing, the bench reviewed a status report from the DIG Police, which indicated that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of three IPS officers was formed following the Supreme Court's directive, with the investigation commencing on May 21.

The SIT report revealed that additional evidence had been gathered, witness statements recorded, and the investigation remains in its early stages.

The bench noted, "The status report from the DIG Police has been submitted. It mentions that the SIT was established and investigations began on May 21. More evidence has been collected, including a speech script and a seized mobile phone. Witness statements have been documented, and the investigation is still in its initial phase. Let the investigation proceed, and the status report be submitted later. The interim order will remain in effect," as they scheduled the next hearing for July.

Previously, the Supreme Court criticized Shah for his comments about Colonel Qureshi and mandated the formation of a SIT to investigate the issue.

The SIT will consist of three senior IPS officers from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, including one female officer, to ensure a thorough investigation.

The bench described Shah's remarks as "filthy, crass, and shameful," dismissing his public apology as insincere. Justice Kant remarked, "The nation feels ashamed of you (Shah). It is up to you to seek redemption."

The Supreme Court had previously halted Shah's arrest and instructed him to participate and cooperate with the investigation.

This ruling came in response to Shah's appeal against the Madhya Pradesh High Court's suo moto order for an FIR to be filed against him due to his comments about Colonel Qureshi.

Shah's legal representative argued that he had issued a public apology for his statements.

On May 14, the Madhya Pradesh High Court mandated the filing of an FIR against him for his remarks about Qureshi.

The High Court took suo moto cognizance of the minister's controversial statement and directed the police to register an FIR against him.

Following the High Court's order, an FIR was filed under sections 152, 196(1)(b), and 197(1)(c) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The High Court warned that if the FIR was not registered by the evening of May 14, it might consider taking action against the Director General of Police for contempt of court.

On May 15, the Madhya Pradesh High Court criticized the police for the FIR against Shah, labeling it a "gross subterfuge" by the state. The court stated it would oversee the case without interfering in the investigation and scheduled a hearing for June 16.

The controversy erupted after a video of Shah's speech circulated widely on social media. In his defense, Shah claimed that his comments were misinterpreted and intended to commend Colonel Qureshi's courage.