SC extends interim bail of Ashoka University professor: 'No impediment on right to speech'
PTC News Desk: The Supreme Court on Wednesday extended interim bail of Ashoka University Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad who is accused of posting contentious content pertaining to Operation Sindoor. The court also maintained that there was no impediment on his right to speech and expression, but he can't post anything online with respect to the cases against him.
A bench comprising of Justices Surya Kant and Dipankar Datta also restricted the professor from expressing his opinion in relation to the Pahalgam terrorist attack on Indian soil or the counter response by the Indian Armed Forces.
The rights panel observed that the report—summarizing the allegations leading to the professor's arrest—suggests, at first glance, a violation of his human rights and personal freedom.
On May 21, the Supreme Court granted the professor temporary bail following his arrest over controversial social media posts related to Operation Sindoor. However, the Court did not halt the ongoing investigation.
The Court also ordered the formation of a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine the FIRs filed against him.
Mahmudabad was taken into custody by Haryana Police on May 18, after two FIRs were registered in connection with his social media activity, which allegedly threatened the nation’s sovereignty and integrity.
The complaints, one filed by Renu Bhatia, Chairperson of the Haryana State Commission for Women, and the other by a village sarpanch, led to FIRs registered at the Rai police station in Sonipat district.
- PTC NEWS
