Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad arrest exposes Indian democracy

NEW DELHI: Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, a faculty member at Ashoka University in Haryana, has been arrested over a social media post in which he commented on an Indian military press briefing during the recent India-Pakistan tensions.

His arrest has sparked widespread debate and criticism online, with “Ashoka University” trending on Indian social media platforms, and “Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad” trending in Pakistan.

BJP leader lodged FIR

According to police, Mahmudabad was taken into custody early Sunday morning by Haryana police following a complaint by a local resident, Yogesh, who is also the village head (sarpanch) of Jatheri and a member of the BJP.

Yogesh alleged that the professor’s post incited communal hatred. An FIR was lodged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including provisions related to promoting enmity between communities.

The post in question was published on 8 May, following a press briefing led by Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

The briefing came in the wake of India’s military operation against Pakistan, dubbed “Operation Sindoor”, carried out on the night of 6-7 May.

In his post, Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad questioned the optics of having two female officers deliver the press conference, suggesting that such gestures needed to be matched by real commitment to justice and inclusion.

He also called for the same vocal support seen for women in uniform to be extended to victims of mob lynchings, house demolitions, and political hate crimes—especially against minorities.

The Haryana State Women Commission took suo motu notice of the post and issued a summons to Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad on 12 May, demanding a written explanation within 48 hours. The commission alleged that his comments disrespected female officers and undermined their role in the armed forces.

Mahmadubad took to X to respond, stating that “the screenshots attached to the notice make it clear that my remarks have been completely misunderstood and that the Commission has no jurisdiction whatsoever in the matter.”

Also, Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad’s lawyers submitted a reply invoking Article 19(1) of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression. They argued that the professor’s comments were made in his academic capacity and were being misinterpreted.

Despite the reply, an FIR was registered on 17 May, and Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad was arrested the following day. He is being charged under IPC sections 196(1)(B), 197(1)(C), 152, and 299.

Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad wrote on his Facebook:

“I am very happy to see so many right-wing commentators applauding Colonel Sophia Qureishi but perhaps they could also equally loudly demand that the victims of mob lynchings, arbitrary bulldozing and others who are victims of the BJP’s hate mongering be protected as Indian Citizens”

Notably, he ended the post with a positive message on India’s diversity, stating that the briefing reflected India’s ideal of unity in diversity, and signed off with “Jai Hind” and the Indian flag emoji.

Critics of Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad’s arrest have called it a violation of academic freedom and freedom of speech, while supporters argue that the post disrespected the military. The case has reignited debate over freedom of expression in India, particularly during times of conflict.

India’s Supreme Court has agreed to hear Mahmudabad’s plea, with the bench of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih saying the matter would be listed for hearing on Wednesday or Thursday of this week.