SC grants interim bail to Ashoka varsity professor over Operation Sindoor remarks; orders SIT probe
PTC Web Desk: In a significant development, the Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe Ashoka University associate professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, who was arrested for allegedly making comments deemed harmful to India’s sovereignty and unity in the context of Operation Sindoor. A Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh issued the directive while also granting Mahmudabad interim bail.
The Supreme Court instructed him to surrender his passport and fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation. His arrest on May 18 followed the registration of two FIRs based on controversial online posts attributed to him.
While providing interim relief, the apex court came down heavily on the professor’s choice of timing and language, calling his remarks an instance of “dog-whistling” and a ploy for “cheap publicity.” The court emphasised that although the posts might not warrant halting the investigation, the content warranted deeper scrutiny.
In an effort to ensure impartiality, the Bench ordered the Director General of Police (DGP) Haryana to establish a three-member SIT comprising senior IPS officers from outside Haryana and Delhi. Importantly, at least one member of the team must be a woman. The team is to be constituted within 24 hours of the court’s order.
The controversy centres on social media posts made by Mahmudabad that were interpreted as disparaging toward military personnel, particularly Colonel Sofia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who played prominent roles during Operation Sindoor. The Haryana State Commission for Women had also issued a notice to the professor prior to his arrest.
Mahmudabad, currently in 14-day judicial custody as per a lower court’s order issued Tuesday, has claimed that his remarks were misinterpreted.
- With inputs from agencies
