Delhi-Haryana Police on Sunday, May 18, 2025, arrested Ali Khan Mahmudabad, an associate professor at Ashoka University, for his comments on social media about Operation Sindhur. He has been charged with sedition and hurting religious sentiments. The arrest took place from his residence in Greater Kailash, Delhi. The Haryana Police had considered his comments harmful to national integration and inciting communal hatred. The action came after a notice from the Haryana State Women’s Commission, in which the professor was accused of insulting women army officers. Professor Mahmudabad had responded by saying that his comments were misunderstood and there was nothing against women’s rights or the law in them. He clarified that he condemned Pakistan’s terror policy and praised the Indian Army, but at the same time raised the issues of ordinary Muslims.
It is worth mentioning here that Ali Khan Mahmudabad, Associate Professor of Ashoka University, had commented on the press briefing of Operation Sindhur in a post on social media on 8 May 2025. He had praised the role of Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and said that it is important as a symbol, but it needs to be converted into ground reality, otherwise it will be just hypocrisy. He had highlighted the contradiction of Hindutva activists and said that if they praise Colonel Qureshi, then they should also adopt a similar attitude towards ordinary Muslims, who face harassment on a daily basis.
Professor Mahmudabad has filed a petition in the Supreme Court against his arrest, which is likely to be heard on 20 or 21 May 2025. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal has filed a petition before Chief Justice B.R. Gavai’s bench has sought an early hearing. This case is raising questions on freedom of speech and academic freedom.
Is this arrest justified?
The arrest of Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad has given rise to legal and social debate. Many consider it an attack on freedom of speech, while some call it a necessary step for national security
The Supreme Court had on May 11, 2022, stayed the sedition law (IPC Section 124A) till its review. However, this action was taken under Section 152 of the Indian Penal Code, which is similar to sedition. Legal experts say that this may be a violation of the Supreme Court’s order, as the new law implements the old provision in a new form.
Question on academic freedom:
The arrest of Mahmudabad is being considered an attack on academic freedom. His remarks were made at a press briefing on Operation Sindhur and social issues, which were part of his discussions as a professor. It is being widely considered to be linked to sedition. The Congress, AAP and the Left parties have strongly condemned the arrest. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinet termed it a “murder of democracy”, while AAP leader Sanjay Singh said the government was misusing the sedition law to suppress dissent.
Left leader Sitaram Yechury called it an “abuse of power” and sought immediate intervention from the Supreme Court.
Historian Romila Thapar said the arrests were an “attempt to crush academic freedom” and that the government should show maturity in dealing with criticism. Writer Arundhati Roy called it a “government-led strategy to create a climate of fear” to silence intellectuals and activists. She said the government was using issues like Operation Sindhur to suppress dissent, which was fuelling communal tensions.
The arrest of Professor Mahmudabad and the sedition case over Faiz’s poem raise serious questions about freedom of speech and academic freedom. The Supreme Court hearing will be crucial in this case, as it could not only affect the professor’s release but also the misuse of sedition law and the future of democratic rights in India.
Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s poem also booked for sedition
Meanwhile, a sedition case has also been registered against the organisers and speakers of a programme in Nagpur where Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s poem ‘Hum Dekhenge’ was sung. The action took place during a programme organised in memory of Veera Sathidar, in which social activist Uttam Jagirdar spoke on the Maharashtra Special Public Safety Bill 2024.
