Will all eyes be on the apex court and cabinet meeting as MP minister Shah's fate hangs in the balance?

Bhopal, May 18 (NationPress) All focus is directed towards the upcoming Supreme Court session on Monday, where the case involving Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah is set to be addressed.

Equally crucial is the cabinet assembly scheduled for Tuesday at the historic Rajwada Palace in Indore, convened to honor the 300th birth anniversary of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, a highly regarded ruler of Indore.

The Manpur police (Indore rural) have yet to document Minister Shah's statement or take any substantial legal action against him.

Uncertainty surrounds Minister Shah's participation in the meeting, considering the legal challenges he faces. His attendance could spark political unrest, as the opposition Congress party is poised to leverage the situation to push for his arrest, according to party sources.

The minister has become entangled in controversy following his 'provocative remarks' about senior Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, whom he labeled as the 'sister of terrorists' during a gathering in Raikunda village of Ambedkar Nagar (Mhow, Indore) earlier this week.

His statements have incited widespread outrage and legal examination. In light of the backlash, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has taken 'suo motu' cognizance of the issue and ordered that a First Information Report (FIR) be lodged against Shah under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita 2023.

The court has also decided to monitor the inquiry. However, the investigation by the Manpur police has been slow, described as a 'mere formality' regarding the FIR drafting.

Despite strict orders from the court to oversee the probe, police authorities have gathered video evidence but have not documented Shah’s statement or identified critical witnesses, as per sources.

Law enforcement appears to be taking a cautious, wait-and-watch approach. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav mentioned briefly to the media on Wednesday that his government would adhere to the court's directives and confirmed that he would not seek Shah’s resignation.

Mohan Yadav and his cabinet colleagues are anticipated to arrive in Indore a day prior to the cabinet meeting, which will be a grand occasion at Rajwada Palace.

This will mark a unique event, with elaborate decorations enhancing the historic venue. The Supreme Court’s decision on Monday will be crucial—if Shah receives relief, he may attend the meeting; however, if denied, his presence could create significant challenges for the government, according to a senior former civil servant. He added that if the sections do not stipulate penal provisions exceeding seven years, his arrest is highly improbable.

Currently, Shah remains elusive, reportedly retreating to his assembly constituency and shunning public appearances. The Manpur police continue to adopt a cautious stance in their investigation, having secured video evidence but refraining from taking Shah’s statement or finalizing witness testimonies.

Their strategy indicates an awareness of the forthcoming court ruling on Monday.

Preparations for Tuesday’s cabinet meeting are underway. Rajwada Palace has been embellished for the occasion, with the session slated to be held in its Ganesh Hall. Ministers are expected to arrive in Indore on Monday to ensure their participation in this significant gathering.