MP Guv denies sanction to prosecute Vijay Shah

Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel has reportedly approved the State Cabinet’s recommendation against granting prosecution sanction to senior minister Kunwar Vijay Shah over his controversial remarks in May 2025 concerning Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.

The development came hours after the State Government informed the Supreme Court that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) had completed its probe and that the decision on prosecution sanction rested with the Governor. The Supreme Court subsequently deferred further proceedings, awaiting the decision of the competent authority.

The matter was heard by a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and J Mohana. Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, appearing for the state government, told the court that the SIT had concluded its investigation. An SIT officer informed the bench that a chargesheet would be filed if prosecution sanction was granted, while refusal of sanction would result in a closure report.

The Cabinet’s recommendation was placed before the Governor on Monday, following which the proposal against granting prosecution sanction was approved.

The Cabinet had decided on August 25 not to grant sanction. The recommendation was then forwarded to the Governor. The entire Council of Ministers is learnt to have supported Shah, a prominent tribal leader of the BJP, with ministers reportedly citing his repeated public apologies for the remarks.

The controversy erupted on May 11, 2025, when Shah made remarks at a public programme in the Mhow area that were perceived as referring to Colonel Qureshi, who had briefed the media during Operation Sindoor along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The remarks triggered widespread criticism.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court took suo motu cognisance of the matter on May 14, 2025, and ordered registration of an FIR. Police registered the case at Manpur police station in Indore-Rural under Sections 152, 196(1)(b) and 197(1)(g) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The High Court also criticised the drafting of the FIR and indicated that it would monitor the investigation.

Shah subsequently approached the Supreme Court challenging the High Court’s intervention. On May 19, 2025, the apex court granted him interim protection from arrest and ordered a three-member SIT headed by senior IPS officers to investigate the matter.

The SIT later sought prosecution sanction under Section 196(1)(a) of the BNS. Its report and sanction request had remained pending with the State authorities since August 19, 2025. The Supreme Court subsequently expressed concern over the delay and, on January 19, 2026, directed the State Government to take a decision.

The issue resurfaced before the apex court on May 8, with the bench seeking clarity on the pending sanction. During Monday’s hearing, senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for Shah, urged the court to consider the minister’s apologies and representation while deciding the matter.

The Governor’s reported decision has drawn a sharp response from the Opposition Congress. A delegation led by Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar met Patel at Lok Bhawan on Tuesday, seeking reconsideration of the decision and appropriate action against Shah.