Supreme Court Extends Interim Bail for Ashoka University Professor Ali Khan Mahmoodabad

Supreme Court's Decision on Interim Bail

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court extended the interim bail granted to Ali Khan Mahmoodabad, a professor at Ashoka University. The court emphasized that there would be no hindrance to his rights to free speech and expression. However, it instructed him not to post anything online related to the cases involving Mahmoodabad.

This hearing took place a week after Mahmoodabad was granted interim bail, in response to a petition against his arrest due to a controversial social media post regarding Operation Sindoor.

Court Requests Investigation Report

Following a notification from the Haryana government about the formation of a special investigation team (SIT), the Supreme Court bench also requested a report on the investigation conducted by the SIT.

Last week, the bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and N.K. Singh, refused to halt the investigation into two FIRs against Mahmoodabad, labeling his posts as 'dog-whistling'. The court directed the state's Director General of Police (DGP) to establish a three-member SIT, which will include a female officer.

Restrictions Imposed on Mahmoodabad

The court also prohibited Mahmoodabad from making any online posts, writing articles, or giving speeches related to the case. Additionally, he was barred from commenting on recent terrorist attacks in India or the country's response to them. Mahmoodabad was arrested on May 18, just 18 days after receiving a notice from the Haryana State Women's Commission for allegedly making derogatory remarks about female officers in the Indian Armed Forces.