Ali Khan Mahmudabad, Associate Professor of Political Science at Ashoka University, was arrested on May 18, 2025, by the Haryana Police in connection with two First Information Reports (FIRs) filed against him for his social media posts related to Operation Sindoor. The arrest has sparked a fierce national debate over academic freedom, freedom of speech, and state overreach.

The FIRs were filed at Rai Police Station in Sonipat, Haryana. One complaint was registered by Haryana State Women Commission Chairperson Renu Bhatia, and the other by Jathedi Sarpanch and BJP Yuva Morcha general secretary Yogesh Jathedi. Both accused Mr Mahmudabad of endangering India’s sovereignty, promoting enmity between groups, and misrepresenting facts, invoking provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, India’s new criminal code.

Mr Mahmudabad, a widely respected academic and historian, was arrested from his residence in New Delhi early morning and taken to Sonipat, according to his legal team. Kapil Balyan, one of his lawyers, called the charges frivolous and pointed out that similar statements have been made by political leaders and retired military officers on various platforms without legal consequences.

The Sonipat police, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Narender Kadiyan, requested police custody to recover the professor’s laptop from Lucknow, while he was remanded to two days' police custody in one case and judicial custody in the other. The court instructed the police to cooperate in case his pregnant wife was admitted to the hospital during the remand period. The next hearing is scheduled for May 20, 2025.

The controversy began on May 12, when the Haryana State Commission for Women issued summons to Mr Mahmudabad over remarks he made on social media. The panel accused him of disparaging women in uniform, including Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, and claimed his posts suggested malicious intent by the Indian government and armed forces. Specific concerns were raised about his use of terms like genocide, dehumanisation, and hypocrisy in reference to Operation Sindoor.

On May 14, Mr Mahmudabad issued a public statement defending his position. He stated he had exercised his fundamental right to free speech and intended to promote peace and harmony, while also commending the Indian armed forces for their efforts. He accused the Women’s Commission of overstepping its jurisdiction and misinterpreting his posts.

The incident took another twist when Sonipat Police Commissioner Nazneen Bhasin was transferred on May 17. According to Commission Chairperson Renu Bhatia, the Sonipat police did not cooperate with the Commission’s team during a raid at Ashoka University on May 15, which followed the professor’s failure to appear before the panel. Bhatia claimed this non-cooperation led to the complaint and subsequent transfer of the police commissioner.

In a formal response, Ashoka University stated it would fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies and local authorities throughout the investigation. However, the Ashoka University Faculty Association issued a strongly worded statement condemning the arrest, calling it groundless and untenable.

The faculty described Professor Mahmudabad as an invaluable member of the university community, beloved by students, and a deeply responsible citizen. They alleged he was subjected to calculated harassment, and said he was denied access to necessary medication and kept without communication for several hours after his arrest.

This case has reignited larger national conversations on the freedom of expression for academics, especially when their views appear to conflict with prevailing political or state narratives. Many legal experts, journalists, and public intellectuals have expressed concern over what they call the criminalisation of dissent, especially when academic discourse and commentary on national security operations leads to criminal action.

Supporters of the professor argue that this represents a dangerous precedent, where scholars and educators can face legal consequences for critical analysis, especially in sensitive political matters. They say it sends a chilling message to other institutions and faculty members, who may now self-censor out of fear of retribution.

On the other hand, some political figures and social media voices have supported the arrest, claiming that national security and the dignity of armed forces personnel must be protected, even against intellectual or academic critiques that may be seen as offensive or politically loaded.

The outcome of this case may have wider implications for freedom of speech, academic independence, and civil liberties in India. As of now, legal proceedings are ongoing, and further judicial developments are expected in the coming days.

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