Ali Khan Mahmudabad, associate professor and head of the Department of Political Science at Ashoka University, was reportedly arrested today from his residence in Delhi. The arrest follows objections raised by the Haryana State Commission for Women over his recent comments on social media about Operation Sindoor, a military operation amid rising India-Pakistan tensions.
Professor Mahmudabad has been facing backlash after posting online remarks that the Commission claims disparaged women in uniform, including Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. The Commission also alleged his posts contained references to “genocide”, “dehumanisation” and “hypocrisy”, and accused him of misrepresenting facts and attributing malicious intent to the Indian government.
In a public statement issued earlier this week, Professor Mahmudabad defended his remarks, saying they were misread and misunderstood, and that his intention was to promote peace and harmony. He said, “This is a new form of censorship and harassment, which invents issues where there are none.” He also stated that he applauded the Indian armed forces in his posts and exercised his fundamental right to free speech.
He further noted that his legal team had already appeared before the Commission on May 14, arguing that the summons “fail to highlight how my post is contrary to the rights of or laws for women.” He asserted that “there is nothing remotely misogynistic” in his comments.
However, the Chairperson of the Haryana Women’s Commission, Renu Bhatia, insisted that Mahmudabad must appear in person and not via legal representatives. “His lawyers representing him before the panel is not acceptable. The Commission will consider legal action if he fails to comply,” Bhatia said.
Meanwhile, Ashoka University issued a statement distancing itself from the professor’s remarks. “The comments made by a faculty member on his personal social media pages do not represent the opinion of the university,” the statement said. It added that the university stands firmly with the nation and its armed forces.
In response, academics from across India have begun rallying in support of Mahmudabad. A letter initiated by Delhi University’s Professor Apoorvanand and Ashoka University’s Professor Aparna Vaidik has called for the withdrawal of the summons, describing the case as an attack on academic freedom and the right to dissent.
