SC extends stay on arrest of MP minister over remarks on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi

THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK

New Delhi, May 28: The Supreme Court has extended the stay on the arrest of Madhya Pradesh minister Kunwar Vijay Shah over his alleged objectionable remarks against Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.

Additionally, it has directed the closure of the suo motu proceedings initiated by the Madhya Pradesh High Court in the matter.

The bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Dipankar Datta issued the order after reviewing the progress report of the SIT probe in the Sophia case.

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The Supreme Court heard two petitions filed by Minister Vijay Shah—one challenging the High Court’s suo motu decision to register an FIR, and the other opposing the dissatisfaction expressed over the registered FIR.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that, in compliance with its orders, an SIT had been constituted comprising three officials, and it is currently investigating the matter.

A progress report from the DIG regarding the investigation was submitted to the court. After reviewing the report, the Supreme Court decided to continue the stay on the minister’s arrest and instructed that the suo motu proceedings initiated by the High Court be closed.