SC Awaits MP Governor's Call on Minister

The Supreme Court is awaiting a decision from the Madhya Pradesh governor on whether to grant sanction to prosecute state minister Kunwar Vijay Shah. The case concerns remarks Shah made against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi during Operation Sindoor.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant told the state's special investigation team to file its final report in court the moment sanction is granted. The bench, which also included justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, noted the investigation is complete but a report remains sealed pending the governor's decision.

The Legal Hurdle

The three-member SIT informed the court that sanction is a legal pre-condition. It is required under section 217(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Samhita, 2023, for a trial court to take cognizance of offences against the minister. The SIT's request for this sanction has been pending with the state government since August 2025.

Additional solicitor general KM Nataraj, appearing for the state government, told the court a decision from the governor is expected shortly. "We have forwarded the request to the governor. We are expecting a response in a day or two," Nataraj said.

The Case's Origin

The development occurred during a hearing of Shah's challenge to a Madhya Pradesh high court order. The high court had taken suo motu cognisance of Shah's remarks. In a public address in Indore, the minister referred to Colonel Qureshi as the "sister of terrorists." The high court directed the registration of a First Information Report against him.

Senior advocate Maninder Singh, representing Shah, told the Supreme Court his client realized his mistake soon after making the remarks. Singh stated that Shah offered an apology the next day.

The SIT's Report

The SIT was represented in court by DIG Kalyan Chakraborty. Chakraborty urged the bench to take the team's final report on record. The bench declined, stating that only the competent trial court has the jurisdiction to consider the report.

The court had previously granted the state two weeks in January to take a final call on the sanction request. The matter has now been posted for hearing after two weeks. The Supreme Court's directive ensures the legal process can proceed without further delay once the constitutional authority makes its decision.

The case highlights the procedural steps required before a sitting minister can face prosecution. It remains pending before the Supreme Court until the governor's office communicates its decision.