The Supreme Court on Wednesday relaxed the bail conditions imposed on Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, who was arrested over his social media posts about “Operation Sindoor.”
The bench clarified that while Mahmudabad is barred from making online comments about the India-Pakistan conflict—considered a sub judice matter—he is otherwise free to write articles and express opinions on other topics.
The top court also pulled up the Haryana Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) for overstepping its remit by seizing the professor’s electronic devices. The bench stressed that the investigation should remain limited to the two First Information Reports (FIRs) registered over the social media posts and must be complete within four weeks.
In late May, the SC directed directed the release of the professor on interim bail.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar had refused to stay investigation, asking Haryana DGP to constitute a SIT to be formed with three IPS officers, including a woman officer who would be from outside the state.
Mahmudabad, who heads the Political Science department at Ashoka University, was arrested by Haryana Police from his residence in Delhi. His arrest came after two FIRs were filed against him, alleging that his social media posts endangered India's sovereignty and promoted communal disharmony.
The Sonepat District Court subsequently sent him to judicial custody on Tuesday, with scheduling the next hearing for May 27. The controversy erupted when Mahmudabad's comments were perceived as disrespectful towards women officers, specifically Colonel Sofia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who were involved in media briefings on Operation Sindoor.
In response to the arrest, Ashoka University issued a statement expressing its awareness of the situation and its commitment to cooperating fully with the investigation. "We have been made aware that Prof. Ali Khan Mahmudabad has been taken into police custody earlier today. We are in the process of ascertaining details of the case," the university noted.
The bench clarified that while Mahmudabad is barred from making online comments about the India-Pakistan conflict—considered a sub judice matter—he is otherwise free to write articles and express opinions on other topics.
The top court also pulled up the Haryana Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) for overstepping its remit by seizing the professor’s electronic devices. The bench stressed that the investigation should remain limited to the two First Information Reports (FIRs) registered over the social media posts and must be complete within four weeks.
In late May, the SC directed directed the release of the professor on interim bail.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar had refused to stay investigation, asking Haryana DGP to constitute a SIT to be formed with three IPS officers, including a woman officer who would be from outside the state.
Mahmudabad, who heads the Political Science department at Ashoka University, was arrested by Haryana Police from his residence in Delhi. His arrest came after two FIRs were filed against him, alleging that his social media posts endangered India's sovereignty and promoted communal disharmony.
The Sonepat District Court subsequently sent him to judicial custody on Tuesday, with scheduling the next hearing for May 27. The controversy erupted when Mahmudabad's comments were perceived as disrespectful towards women officers, specifically Colonel Sofia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who were involved in media briefings on Operation Sindoor.
In response to the arrest, Ashoka University issued a statement expressing its awareness of the situation and its commitment to cooperating fully with the investigation. "We have been made aware that Prof. Ali Khan Mahmudabad has been taken into police custody earlier today. We are in the process of ascertaining details of the case," the university noted.
You may also like
The BBC are hypocrites - John Torode's MasterChef sacking proves it
Oleksandr Usyk baffles Daniel Dubois with four-word message
Delhi: NDMC shines at Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 Awards
Ananya Panday welcomes Ahaan Panday to movies with a set of childhood pictures
Chilling moment man drags woman into truck as police issue urgent warning
