On May 18, 2025, Dr. Ali Khan Mahmudabad, an associate professor and head of the Political Science department at Ashoka University, was arrested by the Haryana Police following his social media comments concerning Operation Sindoor, India's recent military response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The arrest has ignited a nationwide debate on academic freedom, freedom of expression, and the boundaries of public discourse in India.
Operation Sindoor was launched in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. In a Facebook post, Dr. Mahmudabad commented that India had sent a clear message to Pakistan: "if you don’t deal with your terrorism problem then we will!" He further criticized those who advocate for war without understanding its consequences, emphasizing the tragic loss of civilian lives on both sides and advocating for peace. Additionally, he addressed the symbolic inclusion of women officers, such as Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, in leading media briefings, urging that such representation should translate into genuine systemic change rather than serving as mere optics
The Haryana Police registered two separate First Information Reports (FIRs) against Dr. Mahmudabad. The first, based on a complaint by Yogesh Jatheri, invoked sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) including Sections 196 (promoting hatred), 197 (imputations and assertions prejudicial to national integration), 152 (endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India), and 299 (culpable homicide). The second FIR, filed by Haryana State Women's Commission Chairperson Renu Bhatia, included charges under Sections 353 (public mischief), 79 (insult to modesty), and 152 of the BNS. The Women's Commission alleged that Dr. Mahmudabad's comments were disparaging towards women officers in the armed forces and promoted communal disharmony. In response, Dr. Mahmudabad clarified that his remarks were misinterpreted and that his intent was to critique warmongering rhetoric and highlight the importance of genuine representation and systemic change.
Following his arrest, Dr. Mahmudabad was remanded to two days of police custody. His legal team, led by Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, approached the Supreme Court, challenging the arrest and seeking immediate relief. The matter was mentioned before Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih, who agreed to list the petition for hearing. The court's decision to entertain the plea underscores the significance of the issues at hand, particularly concerning freedom of expression and academic liberty.
The arrest has elicited strong reactions from the academic community and civil society. Ashoka University's faculty association condemned the arrest as "calculated harassment," emphasizing the importance of safeguarding academic freedom and the right to free expression. Colleagues and fellow academics defended Dr. Mahmudabad's post as a reasoned analysis supporting India's strategic response to terrorism and advocating for genuine inclusion and systemic change. They argued that the arrest was unjustified and posed a threat to freedom of speech, calling for his immediate release.
This incident has sparked a broader discourse on the limits of free speech, especially in the context of national security and public policy. It raises critical questions about the role of academic institutions in fostering open dialogue and the extent to which individuals can express dissenting views without fear of retribution. As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the case, the outcome will have significant implications for civil liberties, academic freedom, and the broader democratic framework in India.
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