Supreme Court To Hear Plea Challenging Arrest Of Ashoka University Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad Over Derogatory Remarks

The Supreme Court on Monday (19 May) agreed to hear a plea challenging the arrest of Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad by the Haryana police over his social media remarks on Operation Sindoor, reported Indian Express.

The arrest stems from two FIRs alleging that his comments disparaged women officers in the armed forces and promoted communal disharmony.

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing before a bench led by Chief Justice of India B R Gavai, said, “A professor of Ashoka University has been proceeded against for entirely patriotic statements.” While Sibal requested a hearing on 21 May, the CJI said the matter would be heard soon, subject to listing.

Mahmudabad’s arrest follows FIRs lodged at Rai police station in Sonipat district based on complaints by Renu Bhatia, Chairperson of the Haryana State Commission for Women, and Yogesh Jatheri, general secretary of the BJP Yuva Morcha and sarpanch of Jatheri village.

The FIR filed by Jatheri invokes Sections 196(1)B, 197(1)C, 152, and 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to promoting enmity, assertions prejudicial to national integration, and malicious acts. The second FIR, based on Bhatia’s complaint, cites Sections 353, 79, and 152 of the BNS.

Ashoka University, in a statement on Sunday, confirmed Mahmudabad’s detention, “We are in the process of ascertaining details of the case. The University will continue to cooperate with the Police and local authorities in the investigation, fully.”

On 12 May, the National Commission for Women issued a show-cause notice after taking suo motu cognisance of Mahmudabad’s remarks, interpreting them as “an attempt to vilify national military actions.”

Mahmudabad responded by stating his comments were “completely misunderstood” and asserted the Commission “had no jurisdiction whatsoever.”

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