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Ashoka University Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad's Arrest Stirs Controversy Over Free Speech

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A controversy erupted when Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad was arrested by the Haryana police over his remarks on Operation Sindoor, allegedly disparaging women officers in the Indian armed forces and promoting communal disharmony. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea challenging the arrest, with Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal urging the court to take it up on May 21, though the exact date will be known when it is listed. Mahmudabad is facing two FIRs based on complaints by Renu Bhatia, Chairperson of the Haryana State Commission for Women, and Yogesh Jatheri, the Jatheri village sarpanch and general secretary of the BJP Yuva Morcha in Haryana.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad was arrested by the Haryana police over his remarks on Operation Sindoor, allegedly disparaging women officers in the Indian armed forces and promoting communal disharmony.
  • Mahmudabad is facing two FIRs based on complaints by Renu Bhatia, Chairperson of the Haryana State Commission for Women, and Yogesh Jatheri, the Jatheri village sarpanch and general secretary of the BJP Yuva Morcha in Haryana.
  • The FIR based on Jatheri's complaint has been lodged under Section 196(1)B, 197(1)C, 152, and 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), while the other FIR has been lodged under BNS Sections 353, 79, and 152.
  • The National Commission for Women (NCW) issued a show-cause notice to Mahmudabad on May 12, taking suo motu cognisance of his social media posts after Operation Sindoor on May 7.
  • Mahmudabad claimed his remarks were "completely misunderstood" and that the Commission had "no jurisdiction whatsoever" in the matter.
  • The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea challenging the arrest of Mahmudabad, with Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal urging the court to take it up on May 21.

Statistics:

  • Two FIRs have been lodged against Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad.
  • The FIR based on Jatheri's complaint has been lodged under Section 196(1)B, 197(1)C, 152, and 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), while the other FIR has been lodged under BNS Sections 353, 79, and 152.
  • Operation Sindoor occurred on May 7.
  • NCW issued a show-cause notice to Mahmudabad on May 12.

Sources:

  • Contify.com
  • IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd.

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