Overview

• Ali Khan Mahmudabad, a political science professor at Ashoka University, was arrested on May 18 under stringent national security laws for social media posts criticizing Operation Sindoor.
• The arrest followed complaints by a BJP youth leader and the Haryana State Women's Commission, which accused him of vilifying the Indian Army and disrespecting women in uniform.
• Over 1,000 academics and intellectuals have signed a solidarity letter, condemning the arrest as a violation of free speech and urging Ashoka University to support Mahmudabad.
• On May 19, Mahmudabad petitioned the Supreme Court, which has agreed to hear his challenge on May 20–21, with senior advocate Kapil Sibal calling for an urgent hearing.
• The case has intensified debates over the balance between national security and constitutional freedoms, drawing criticism from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and other political figures.