Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted interim bail to Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, who was arrested last week over a social media post related to Operation Sindoor. While providing relief, the court criticised the professor for his language, warning against misuse of free speech during sensitive national moments.
Court warns against ‘cheap popularity’
Professor Mahmudabad, Head of the Political Science Department at Ashoka University, was charged with promoting enmity and threatening national integrity. During the hearing, Justice Surya Kant questioned the motive behind the post. “Monsters came and attacked our people. Why make such comments at this time—for cheap popularity?” the judge asked, adding that rights must come with responsibility.
No intent to offend, says defence
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the professor, argued that there was no criminal intent. He highlighted that Mahmudabad’s wife is nine months pregnant and his arrest has caused unnecessary trauma. Justice Kant responded, “You speak of rights, but where is the duty? Words matter in a free society.” The court described the professor’s remarks as “dogwhistling,” warning that deliberately provocative language undermines the spirit of national unity.
Bail granted with strict conditions
While the court declined to pause the investigation, it directed the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by an Inspector General and comprising three IPS officers from outside Haryana and Delhi, including one woman. The court granted interim bail with three conditions: the professor must not write or speak publicly about the case, Operation Sindoor, or the Pahalgam attack, and he must surrender his passport.
Multiple FIRs and growing controversy
Two FIRs have been filed against Mahmudabad, one by the Haryana State Commission for Women. The complaint alleges that his post undermined the role of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh in the armed forces. The professor had written that while it was commendable to see women officers being praised, similar concern should be extended to victims of mob lynching and state actions. The commission claimed the post disparaged women in uniform.
Professor responds, university stands by him
Mahmudabad later said his comments were misunderstood. “The Women’s Commission has inverted the meaning of my post,” he said, accusing it of jurisdictional overreach. Ashoka University welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision, stating: “We are relieved and heartened by Prof Ali Khan Mahmudabad being granted interim bail. It has provided great comfort to his family and all of us at Ashoka University.”
