Ashoka University Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad Remanded to 14-Day Judicial Custody

Ashoka University Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad Sent to Judicial Custody Over Remarks on Operation Sindoor

Sonipat, May 20 — Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad has been sent to 14 days of judicial custody by a district court in Sonipat following his arrest over alleged controversial remarks related to Operation Sindoor. The court has scheduled the next hearing in the case for May 27.

Mahmudabad was arrested on Sunday by Delhi Police from his residence in Greater Kailash and later handed over to the Haryana police. He faces two FIRs filed in connection with his social media posts commenting on India’s recent military operation targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The Ashoka University Faculty Association came out in strong support of Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, denouncing the charges as “baseless and unjustified.”, following his arrest. In their statement, they condemned the arrest and described Mahmudabad as a respected scholar, a thoughtful public intellectual, and a deeply responsible citizen.

“He is an invaluable member of the university, a trusted friend to students, and someone who has always acted with integrity,” the statement read.

Trigger for C: Comments on Operation Sindoor

Professor Mahmudabad's arrest came shortly after the Haryana State Commission for Women took suo motu cognizance of his remarks on two key figures involved in Operation Sindoor — Army Colonel Sofia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh.

With widespread criticism eventually leading to his arrest and handover to the Sonipat police, Mahmudabad’s remarks stirred strong reactions online.

His detention has since sparked a larger conversation about the boundaries of free speech, the space for academic expression, and how law enforcement responds to public criticism of military actions.