Ali Khan Mahmudabad
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a petition from Ali Khan Mahmudabad, an associate professor and head of the Political Science department at Ashoka University, challenging his arrest by Haryana Police over remarks made on social media about Operation Sindoor. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Mahmudabad, urged the court for an urgent hearing, arguing that the professor was detained for what he described as “entirely patriotic statements.” The bench, led by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih, scheduled the hearing for May 20 or 21, 2025.
Mahmudabad was arrested on May 18, 2025, following two FIRs filed against him, prompted by complaints from Renu Bhatia, chairperson of the Haryana State Commission for Women, and Yogesh Jatheri, a BJP Yuva Morcha leader. The charges include endangering India’s sovereignty and integrity, promoting communal disharmony, and insulting the modesty of women, under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The complaints stem from Mahmudabad’s Facebook post on May 8, which commented on media briefings by Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh regarding Operation Sindoor, a military offensive against terror groups in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. He described the briefings as “optics” and criticized the lack of broader societal change, which some interpreted as disparaging the armed forces and women officers.
Mahmudabad maintains that his remarks were misunderstood and were an exercise of his constitutional right to freedom of speech. The Haryana State Commission for Women had previously issued a notice to him, alleging his comments undermined military actions. Ashoka University issued a statement confirming the arrest and noted it is cooperating with the police while ascertaining details of the case. The academic community, including the Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers’ Association and Ashoka’s Faculty Association, has condemned the arrest, demanding Mahmudabad’s immediate release and the withdrawal of charges.
The Supreme Court’s decision to fast-track the hearing has sparked discussions on freedom of expression and the boundaries of dissent in India. The case is expected to draw significant attention as it unfolds.
- YaHind.Com
