The Supreme Court on Friday expressed strong displeasure over the Madhya Pradesh government's delay in granting sanction to prosecute a state minister for his alleged derogatory remarks against Colonel Sofiya, a woman officer who rose to prominence during Operation Sindoor in 2025.
Court's Stern Warning
A bench of Justices K.V. Viswanathan and Prashant Kumar Mishra warned that the court would not tolerate further procrastination, stating, "Enough is enough." The court directed the state government to decide on the sanction within two weeks, failing which it would consider initiating contempt proceedings.
Background of the Case
The controversy stems from remarks made by the minister in 2025, which were widely condemned as misogynistic and disrespectful to the armed forces. Colonel Sofiya, who served as a public relations officer during Operation Sindoor, became a household name for her confident and articulate media briefings. The petitioner had sought prosecution of the minister under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Civil Rights Act.
Government's Explanation Rejected
The state government argued that the delay was due to procedural complexities, including the need to consult various departments. However, the Supreme Court rejected this explanation, noting that the matter had been pending for over a year without any tangible progress. "The sanction is not a formality; it is a constitutional duty. The government cannot sit on it indefinitely," the bench observed.
Next Steps
The court has listed the matter for further hearing after two weeks. If the government fails to comply, the court may issue a contempt notice against the chief secretary and the law secretary of Madhya Pradesh. The case has reignited debates on accountability of public officials and the protection of dignity of women in public service.
