Supreme Court Grants Interim Bail to Ashoka University Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad Amid Operation Sindoor Controversy

 New Delhi, May 21, 2025 

The Supreme Court of India has granted interim bail to Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad of Ashoka University, following his arrest over a social media post concerning 'Operation Sindoor'. While the Court criticized the language used in his post, referring to it as "dog whistling," it declined to stay the ongoing investigation into the matter.

Professor Mahmudabad, who heads the Political Science department at Ashoka University, was arrested on May 18 after two FIRs were filed against him in Sonipat, Haryana. The complaints, lodged by Renu Bhatia, Chairperson of the Haryana State Commission for Women, and Yogesh Jatheri, a local BJP youth wing leader, alleged that his May 8 Facebook post insulted women officers of the Indian Armed Forces and incited communal disharmony.

During the hearing, the Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh, expressed concern over the timing and content of Mahmudabad's remarks. Justice Kant questioned, "Is it the time to talk about all of this? The country is already going through all this... Why get cheap popularity on these occasions?"

As part of the bail conditions, Professor Mahmudabad has been directed to:

• Surrender his passport.

• Refrain from making any public statements, online posts, or speeches related to the case, 'Operation Sindoor', or recent terrorist attacks.

• Cooperate fully with the investigation.

Furthermore, the Court ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter. The SIT will comprise three senior IPS officers, none from Haryana or Delhi, and must include at least one woman officer. The team is tasked with examining the context and implications of Mahmudabad's post. 

The arrest and subsequent legal proceedings have sparked a national debate on freedom of expression and academic liberty. Students and faculty at Ashoka University have rallied in support of Professor Mahmudabad, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue and critical thinking in academic settings. 

Ashoka University, in a statement, expressed relief over the interim bail, stating, "We are relieved and heartened by Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad being granted interim bail by the Hon'ble Supreme Court. It has provided great comfort to his family and all of us at Ashoka University." 

The case continues to draw attention as it navigates the complex intersection of national security, freedom of speech, and academic freedom.