Ashoka University professor petitions SC challenging arrest over remarks on Operation Sindoor

IANS May 19, 2025 245 views

Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad has approached the Supreme Court challenging his arrest over controversial remarks about Operation Sindoor. The case involves complex legal and political dimensions, with allegations of sedition and communal disharmony. Mahmudabad was arrested after a complaint by BJP Yuva Morcha's General Secretary in Haryana. The Supreme Court, led by CJI BR Gavai, has assured urgent listing of the petition, highlighting the significant legal and academic freedom implications.

"The optics of two women soldiers presenting their findings is important, but optics must translate to reality" - Ali Khan Mahmudabad
New Delhi, May 19: The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to urgently list a petition challenging the arrest of Ali Khan Mahmudabad, a professor of political science at Haryana-based Ashoka University, over his remarks on Operation Sindoor.

Key Points

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Supreme Court agrees to urgently list Mahmudabad's petition challenging arrest

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Arrested under BNS sections for alleged seditious remarks

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Criticised BJP's response to social issues in controversial social media post

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Haryana Women's Commission initiated action against professor's comments

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Mahmudabad, urged a bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai to list his petition on Tuesday or Wednesday for hearing.

In response, CJI Gavai assured urgent listing of the matter. Mahmudabad, 42, was arrested on a complaint filed by Yogesh Jatheri, the General Secretary of the BJP Yuva Morcha in Haryana.

Ali has been arrested under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) pertaining to inciting armed rebellion or subversive activities and insulting religious beliefs. Also, sedition-like charges have been filed against him.

In a post on social media, Mahmudabad wrote: "I am very happy to see so many right-wing commentators applauding Colonel Sophi(y)a Qureishi, but perhaps they could also equally loudly demand that the victims of mob lynchings, arbitrary bulldozing and others who are victims of the BJP’s hate mongering be protected as Indian citizens. The optics of two women soldiers presenting their findings is important, but optics must translate to reality on the ground, otherwise it’s just hypocrisy."

Earlier, Haryana State Commission for Women Chairperson Renu Bhatia took suo motu cognisance of Mahmudabad's remarks, which were alleged to be disparaging toward women in the Indian Armed Forces and promoting communal disharmony. The women's rights body had summoned the professor, but he failed to appear. Later, he said the commission had "misread" his comment.

"[I] am surprised that the Women's Commission, while overreaching its jurisdiction, has misread and misunderstood my posts to such an extent that they have inverted their meaning," Mahmudabad had said on X.

Regarding the arrest of a teaching staff, Ashoka University said that it was in the process of ascertaining details of the case, and the varsity will cooperate with the police and local authorities in the investigation fully.

Reader Comments

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Priya K.
Freedom of speech is important, but when comments target our armed forces and create unnecessary controversies, action becomes necessary. Our soldiers protect us day and night - they deserve respect, not political commentary. 🇮🇳
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Rahul S.
This seems like an overreaction. The professor was making a valid point about equal treatment of all citizens. Just because someone criticizes the government doesn't mean they're anti-national. The sedition law is being misused too often these days.
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Ananya M.
As an Ashoka alumna, I'm deeply concerned. Our university always encouraged critical thinking. If professors can't ask tough questions, who will? The arrest seems politically motivated. Hope SC delivers justice quickly.
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Vikram J.
The timing of his comments during Operation Sindoor was inappropriate. There are ways to raise concerns without undermining military operations. That said, hope the legal process is fair and not influenced by political pressure.
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Sneha P.
Both sides have valid points. The professor could have worded his criticism better, but arresting academics sets a dangerous precedent. Our democracy is strong enough to handle dissent without turning to colonial-era laws. Let's have faith in our judiciary.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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Tags:
Ali Khan Mahmudabad Ashoka University Supreme Court Operation Sindoor Haryana Police Academic Freedom BJP Sedition