The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad’s arrest. He was arrested for his social media comments on Operation Sindoor. The NHRC said the arrest appears to violate his human rights and personal liberty.
Professor Mahmudabad heads the Political Science Department at Ashoka University. He was arrested on Sunday by Haryana Police from his Delhi home. The arrest was linked to two FIRs filed over his online posts. Authorities said his remarks threatened India’s sovereignty and unity. He was sent to two-day police custody.
The NHRC issued a statement on Wednesday. It said the report of his arrest shows a clear violation of human rights. The Commission asked the Haryana DGP to submit a full report within a week.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court granted him interim bail. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh gave the order. They did not stop the investigation. But they ordered his release after furnishing bail bonds. The bonds must be approved by the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Sonepat.
The court added strict conditions to the bail. Mahmudabad cannot make public or online comments on Operation Sindoor. He also cannot speak on India’s counterterrorism actions. He must surrender his passport.
The court also ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to be formed in 24 hours. The SIT will be led by an Inspector General of Police. It will include two SP-rank officers, one of whom must be a woman. All officers will be from outside Haryana and Delhi to ensure fairness.
The case has gained national attention. Earlier, the Haryana Women’s Commission accused the professor of insulting women officers in the Armed Forces. He was also accused of promoting communal disharmony.
The NHRC and Supreme Court’s actions highlight a key issue. It is about balancing national security with freedom of expression and human rights.
