On May 18, 2025, Ali Khan Mahmudabad, an associate professor of political science at Ashoka University, was arrested by Haryana Police from his residence in Delhi. The arrest stemmed from social media posts he made concerning ‘Operation Sindoor’, a recent Indian military operation against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Authorities charged him with serious offenses under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including endangering India’s sovereignty, promoting enmity between religious groups, and insulting the modesty of women .

Professor Mahmudabad’s posts, particularly one on May 8, highlighted the irony of certain commentators praising female military officers like Colonel Sofiya Qureshi while overlooking the plight of victims of mob lynchings and other communal violence in India. He emphasized the importance of protecting all Indian citizens and called for ethical restraint in times of conflict. Critics argue that his comments were misinterpreted and that the charges lack legal basis, asserting that his statements do not meet the thresholds required for the invoked legal provisions .

Following his arrest, Professor Mahmudabad was remanded to two days of police custody. In response, he approached the Supreme Court of India, seeking relief from what he and his legal team describe as an unjust arrest. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Mahmudabad, mentioned the petition before Chief Justice BR Gavai, who agreed to list the matter for hearing on May 20 or 21 .

The arrest has sparked significant outrage among students, academics, and free speech advocates. Students from Ashoka University have rallied in support of Professor Mahmudabad, emphasizing his commitment to reason, compassion, and justice. They have called on the university administration to stand by him and uphold the principles of academic freedom .

International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have condemned the arrest, urging Indian authorities to terminate the investigation and release Professor Mahmudabad immediately . The central government has distanced itself from the arrest, attributing it to local authorities .

The Supreme Court’s forthcoming decision is anticipated to have significant implications for freedom of expression and academic independence in India.

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