Archive · 6 Jan 2026
SC Asks Haryana to Consider Closing Case Against Ashoka Professor
The Supreme Court asked the Haryana government if it can show kindness and not allow the case against a professor named Ali Khan Mahmudabad to go forward.
The professor was arrested for his social media posts about something called Operation Sindoor.
The court wants the Haryana government to decide if they will give permission to proceed with the case.
The court also told the professor to behave responsibly in the future.
The professor was initially arrested in May 2025 and was later given bail with some conditions.
The court has asked the Haryana police to only investigate the two cases against the professor and not look into other things.
Many people, including political parties and academics, have criticized the professor's arrest.
The Supreme Court asked Haryana if it can show magnanimity and deny sanction to prosecute Ashoka University Associate Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad.
The court expects Mahmudabad to act responsibly in the future if the state government shows leniency.
Mahmudabad was arrested in May 2025 for a social media post about Operation Sindoor and was granted bail three days later.
The chargesheet was filed in August 2025, but the Haryana government's approval to prosecute is pending.
The court will hear the matter after six weeks to allow the Additional Solicitor General to take instructions from the state government.
- Who
- Ali Khan Mahmudabad, a professor at Ashoka University
- What
- Supreme Court asked Haryana if it can show magnanimity and deny sanction to prosecute Mahmudabad
- When
- January 6, 2026 (next hearing in six weeks)
- Where
- Supreme Court of India, New Delhi
- Why
- To allow the Additional Solicitor General to seek instructions from the Haryana government regarding sanction for the chargesheet
- Professor
- Ali Khan Mahmudabad
- Chargesheet Filed
- August 2025
- Sanction Status
- Pending by Haryana government
- Next Hearing
- After six weeks
- Charges
- Sections 152, 353, 79, 196(1) of BNS
- FIRs Lodged
- Two (one by Haryana State Commission for Women, one by a village sarpanch)
- Arrest Date
- May 18, 2025
- Bail Condition
- Allowed to write posts, articles, and express opinions except on the sub judice case
Sources
SC extends bar on trial court from taking note of chargesheet against Ashoka University professor
‘As one-time magnanimity’: SC asks Haryana if case against Ashoka University prof Mahmudabad can be closed
Supreme Court asks Haryana if case against Ashoka University professor can be closed
