Ashoka University Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad Released from Sonepat Jail

Ali Khan Mahmudabad, associate professor and head of the political science department at Ashoka University, was released from Sonepat district jail on Wednesday after the Supreme Court granted him interim bail. His arrest on May 18 over a social media post about “Operation Sindoor” — India’s military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack — had sparked widespread outrage.

The post drew sharp reactions, leading to two FIRs filed against Mahmudabad by BJP youth leader Yogesh Jatheri and Haryana State Commission for Women chairperson Renu Bhatia. They accused him of promoting enmity and undermining national integrity through his comments.

While granting interim bail to Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, the Supreme Court acknowledged that his choice of words in the social media post was questionable but emphasised a crucial point — freedom of speech must be protected, even as it's used with responsibility. The court also ordered the creation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to take a closer look at the context and intent behind his remarks, rather than jumping to conclusions.

Mahmudabad’s arrest quickly set off a wave of concern and strong reactions from academics, civil rights advocates, and public intellectuals. For many, this wasn’t just a legal matter — it felt like a troubling signal that the space for academic freedom and open conversation in India is shrinking. His colleagues at Ashoka University, where he heads the political science department, were quick to condemn the arrest, describing the charges as “groundless and untenable.” To them, and to many others, this wasn’t just about one professor. It was about defending the principle that universities must remain places where difficult questions can be asked, and ideas — even uncomfortable ones — can be freely explored without fear of punishment.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also stepped in, issuing a notice to the Haryana Director General of Police. The NHRC raised concerns over possible human rights violations during Mahmudabad’s arrest and detention, and said it was taking suo moto cognisance of the incident after reviewing a news report published on May 20.

In a public statement, Ashoka University welcomed the Supreme Court's decision. “We are relieved and heartened by Prof. Ali Khan Mahmudabad being granted interim bail by the Hon’ble Supreme Court. It has provided great comfort to his family and all of us at Ashoka University,” the statement read.