The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted interim bail to Ali Khan Mahmudabad, an associate professor at Ashoka University. He was arrested on May 18 over social media posts that allegedly insulted women officers in the Indian Armed Forces and promoted communal disharmony.
A bench of the Supreme Court heard the case and called the posts “dog whistling.” However, it did not stop the ongoing investigation. The court instead asked the Haryana DGP to form a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter.
Mahmudabad was arrested after two FIRs were filed at Rai Police Station in Sonipat. One was lodged by Renu Bhatia, Chairperson of the Haryana State Commission for Women (HSCW), and the other by a village sarpanch. The charges include serious offences like endangering the sovereignty and integrity of the nation.
The case relates to posts made by the professor about “Operation Sindoor,” which triggered strong reactions. The HSCW had also issued a notice to him for his remarks. Mahmudabad claimed his statements were misunderstood and said he was only exercising his right to free speech under the Constitution.
He was earlier remanded to two days of police custody. The court’s order granting interim bail comes at a time when debates on free speech and public discourse are gaining attention.
