Supreme Court Upholds Free Speech for Ashoka University Professor Amid Controversy

Supreme Court's Ruling on Professor's Social Media Posts

New Delhi: The Supreme Court addressed the case of Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, who is under scrutiny for his controversial social media remarks regarding Operation Sindoor. The court affirmed that while he retains his right to free speech, he is prohibited from making any online statements related to the ongoing investigations against him.

During a session led by Justices Surya Kant and Dipankar Datta, the bench opted not to alter the interim bail conditions set on May 21, which restrict him from publishing any online content or making speeches concerning the two posts currently being investigated.

Additionally, the court has barred the professor from sharing opinions about the terrorist attack on Indian territory or the military's response.

The bench extended his interim bail and instructed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to present their findings at the next hearing.

The Supreme Court clarified that the investigation pertains to two FIRs filed against Mahmudabad and urged the Haryana police to conduct a thorough investigation without deviation, particularly regarding the devices they wish to examine.

The bench also requested an update from the Haryana police regarding their response to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) notice concerning the FIR against the professor.

On May 21, the NHRC took 'suo motu cognizance' of a media report related to the professor's arrest, indicating that the allegations against him suggest potential violations of his human rights and liberties.

The Supreme Court had previously granted him interim bail following his arrest on May 18, which stemmed from his social media posts that allegedly threatened the nation's sovereignty.

The two FIRs were filed based on complaints from Renu Bhatia, chairperson of the Haryana State Commission for Women, and a village sarpanch, with the Rai police in Sonipat district handling the case.

According to police reports, the FIR against Professor Ali includes charges under various sections, including those related to actions endangering India's sovereignty and promoting enmity based on religion.

The arrest has drawn criticism from various political factions and academic circles.