– Abdul Bari Masoud
New Delhi: Several teachers’ organisations, including AIPC, AIPSN, CTF, DTF, DTI, IAFN, INTEC, RSM, and SSM, condemned the arrest of Prof (Dr.) Ali Khan Mahmudabad. They called it a misuse of law meant to criminalise dissent and suppress academic freedom.
At a joint press conference at the Press Club of India, the groups criticised the charges. They said the FIR, filed by a BJP functionary, was politically motivated. According to them, this is part of a wider move to silence critical voices challenging the regime’s majoritarian agenda.
They also slammed the Haryana Women’s Commission. The Commission had accused Dr. Mahmudabad of “disparaging” women officers. The groups said his post was a nuanced political analysis and not offensive.
Dr. Uma Raag of DTI opened the event. She named many scholars, students, and intellectuals also targeted by the state. She said Dr. Mahmudabad’s arrest was the latest in this pattern of attacks on academic freedom.
Surajit Mazumdar of JNU Teachers’ Association (JNUTA) said the arrest violated both Dr. Khan’s rights and society’s right to free, informed discourse in a democracy.
Anita Rampal read testimonials from Dr. Khan’s students. They spoke about the trust, respect, and love he gave them. She demanded his immediate release and full exoneration.
Dr. Dhiraj Nite from Ambedkar University Delhi (AUD) showed strong support. He urged the court to dismiss the false charges.
Rajshree Chandra of IAFN said that universities must be free to pursue truth just as courts must be free to pursue justice.
Former Delhi University professor Laxman Yadav said the arrest was rooted in religious bias. He said this was an attack on the Constitution of Baba Saheb Ambedkar. He also noted that Dr. Khan’s family chose to stay in India after Partition.
Speakers defended Dr. Mahmudabad’s social media posts. They said his criticism of militaristic nationalism and support for communal harmony were protected under Article 19(1)(a). They said linking his words with sedition was legally wrong and unconstitutional.
Prof. Manoj Jha, Rajya Sabha MP, sent a message supporting Dr. Khan and the teachers’ protest.
Insha, President of Ashoka University Student Union, and Nitish Kumar, President of JNUSU, also spoke in solidarity.
During the event, the organisers were informed that Dr. Mahmudabad’s judicial custody had been extended.
Dr. Ali Khan Mahmudabad was arrested by Haryana police from his Delhi home on 18 May. The complaint came from a BJP Yuva Morcha leader. It followed Dr. Mahmudabad’s Facebook post on 8 May about Operation Sindoor.
In the post, he praised Indian Army officer Col. Sofiya Qureshi. But he also raised issues faced by Indian Muslims today. This triggered criticism from Haryana Women’s Commission chief Renu Bhatia.
Teachers’ groups vowed to continue protesting. They said they would resist any action that curbs democratic and political rights, including Dr. Khan’s detention.
