Bhopal The Supreme Court hearing on Monday, when the case of Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah is expected to be heard, has everyone’s attention.

The cabinet meeting scheduled on Tuesday in Indore’s ancient Rajwada Palace is equally important as it marks the 300th anniversary of the birth of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, the city’s esteemed ruler.

Minister Shah has not yet been the subject of a statement or a formal legal action by the Manpur police (Indore rural).

Given the legal actions against him, it is uncertain whether Minister Shah would attend the meeting. According to Congress party insiders, his presence might further incite political instability, and the opposition Congress party would probably take advantage of the situation to demand his arrest in protest.

Following his “inflammatory remarks” against senior Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, whom he called the “sister of terrorists,” during an earlier this week meeting in Raikunda hamlet of Ambedkar Nagar (Mhow, Indore), the minister has been entangled in controversy.

His remarks have drawn legal attention and considerable censure. The Madhya Pradesh High Court has taken a “suo motu” case in reaction to the commotion and ordered that Shah be the subject of a First Information Report (FIR) in accordance with certain sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita 2023.

The court also agreed to supervise the inquiry. But the Manpur police inquiry is still slow, and the FIR is still being drafted as a “mere formality.”

The judge decided to supervise the probe and issued stringent directions. Although police have collected video evidence of the event, they have not identified important witnesses or recorded Shah’s testimony, if sources are to be trusted.

According to the source, law enforcement officers seem to be taking a cautious, wait-and-watch stance. In a short interview with the media on Wednesday, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that his administration will obey the court’s orders and reaffirmed his refusal to call for Shah’s resignation.

It is anticipated that Mohan Yadav and his cabinet colleagues would arrive in Indore one day before the cabinet meeting, which is being held at Rajwada Palace as a spectacular occasion.

With ornate decorations covering the ancient site, it is expected to be a first. The Supreme Court’s decision on Monday is crucial; if Shah is given relief, he can attend the meeting; but, if the court rejects his request for reprieve, his presence could present a serious problem for the government, a senior former civil servant added, adding that he is unlikely to be arrested if the section does not define the penal provisions for more than seven years.

Shah is still evasive at the moment, allegedly withdrawing to his assembly seat and avoiding public engagements. Having obtained video footage, the Manpur police are still proceeding carefully with their investigation; they have not yet obtained Shah’s testimony or completed witness statements.

Their behavior indicates that they are well aware of the Monday court decision.

The cabinet meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, and preparations are already underway. The session is scheduled to take place in the Ganesh Hall of Rajwada Palace, which has been decorated for the event. To guarantee their attendance at the momentous event, ministers are anticipated to arrive in Indore on Monday.