Why Did the MP HC Rebuke Authorities Over the FIR Against Minister Shah?

Bhopal, May 15 (NationPress) The Madhya Pradesh High Court expressed strong disapproval towards state officials regarding the “poorly-drafted” FIR against Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah, stating that it would oversee the investigation process.

The court voiced its “dissatisfaction” with the content of the First Information Report filed at Manpur Police Station in Indore (Rural), which pertained to the minister's derogatory comments about Colonel Sophiya Qureshi.

Minister Shah was accused of labeling Colonel Qureshi as the “sister of terrorists,” which led to “suo motu” judicial intervention to guarantee a fair and unbiased inquiry.

During the hearing, a division bench consisting of Justice Atul Shridharan and Justice Anuradha Shukla criticized the management of the case, describing the initial FIR as a mere “formality.”

The bench pointed out that crucial legal sections had been omitted, despite clear instructions given by the court the day before.

Due to the evident shortcomings in the FIR, the court deemed it necessary to monitor the case to safeguard against any undue influence or external pressure that could jeopardize the investigation's integrity.

Justice Sridharan indicated that further hearings would take place after the summer recess.

Meanwhile, the minister sought interim relief from the Supreme Court, which declined to consider his request.

The previous day, the High Court took suo motu cognizance of Shah's remarks, labeling them as exceedingly objectionable and inappropriate.

In an eight-page ruling, the bench acknowledged the Indian Army's critical role, recognizing it as one of the nation's last bastions of discipline, integrity, and sacrifice.

As a result, the court ordered the immediate filing of an FIR against the minister, cautioning that failure to comply would lead to contempt proceedings against the Director General of Police.

On Wednesday night, police complied and registered an FIR at Manpur Police Station in Mhow around 11:27 PM.

During the hearing on Thursday, Advocate General Prashant Singh informed the court that the FIR was officially recorded at 7:55 AM. However, the court expressed concern over the lack of essential statutory provisions.

Justice Atul Shridharan highlighted that Sections 152, 196, and 197 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita, which address offences related to communal animosity and threats to national unity, were not included in the FIR even after clear directions.

In response to the Advocate General's claims that the police were still investigating, the court responded with a sharp critique.

Justice Shridharan clarified that this case does not relate to murder but concerns a public address that should not necessitate a prolonged investigation.

In an event in Raikunda of Mhow (Ambedkarnagar), Vijay Shah made a provocative statement, implying that Prime Minister Modi had sent a “sister” of those responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack to take revenge.

This remark, referencing Operation Sindoor, was met with applause from the audience. Although the minister refrained from mentioning Colonel Qureshi by name, the implication was clear.