Ashoka University Professor Granted Interim Bail, Court Orders Special Investigation Team
The Supreme Court on Wednesday (May 21, 2025) granted interim bail to Ali Khan Mahmudabad, a professor at Ashoka University, who was arrested for his social media posts related to Operation Sindoor. However, the court declined to stay the two FIRs (First Information Reports) filed against him.
Court Orders Special Investigation Team
In a significant development, the Supreme Court also directed the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) within 24 hours to investigate the case. This SIT will consist of three senior officers, including a woman IPS officer, who are not residents of Haryana. The team will be headed by a Director General of Police (DGP)-rank officer.
The court emphasized that the interim bail was granted solely to facilitate the ongoing investigation. Mr. Mahmudabad has been ordered to furnish a single bail bond for both FIRs and surrender his passport to the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Sonipat.
Charges and Earlier Developments
Mr. Mahmudabad was arrested under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, facing charges of endangering the sovereignty and integrity of the nation and promoting enmity between different groups. Earlier, a local court in Haryana had remanded him to judicial custody after rejecting the State Police’s request for a seven-day extension of his police custody.
Criticism of the Arrest
The arrest of Mr. Mahmudabad has sparked widespread criticism from academics and civil society groups who view it as a direct attack on free speech and academic freedom.
