Supreme Court Extends Interim Bail for Ashoka University Professor Amid Investigation
Supreme Court Decision on Interim Bail
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court prolonged the interim bail granted to Ali Khan Mahmudabad, who serves as an associate professor and head of the Political Science department at Ashoka University in Haryana. This decision is linked to a social media post concerning Operation Sindoor.
Limitations on the Investigation
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Dipankar Datta specified that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) should restrict its inquiry to the two FIRs filed against Mahmudabad. The court mandated that any investigation report must be presented to them before submission to a jurisdictional court. The interim protection will remain in effect until further notice.
Concerns Raised During Hearing
During the proceedings, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Mahmudabad, voiced concerns that the SIT might broaden its investigation. The Supreme Court reassured the Haryana Advocate General that the inquiry would remain confined to the two FIRs relevant to the case and could not be expanded.
Sibal also highlighted the authorities' request for access to Mahmudabad's digital devices, questioning the necessity of such a move. Justice Kant responded, emphasizing that the SIT should not deviate from the established scope.
Previous Court Orders and Restrictions
Previously, the Supreme Court had granted Mahmudabad interim bail but did not halt the two FIRs filed by Haryana Police, stating that he had not provided sufficient grounds for a stay on the investigation. The court also imposed restrictions on Mahmudabad, prohibiting him from making any online posts or speeches related to the case.
Additionally, he was barred from commenting on terrorist attacks within India or the country's responses and was instructed to surrender his passport.
Background of the Case
Mahmudabad sought the Supreme Court's intervention following his arrest due to the social media post. He was taken into custody for two days by Haryana police after being arrested at his residence in Delhi, following the filing of two separate cases against him.
He faces charges related to jeopardizing India's sovereignty, unity, and integrity due to his remarks on Operation Sindoor.
Allegations of Inappropriate Comments
The State Women’s Commission previously criticized Mahmudabad's comments on social media, labeling them as disparaging towards women officers in the Indian Armed Forces and as inciting communal discord. On May 13, the commission issued a summons to the associate professor, who later clarified that his statements had been misinterpreted.