New Delhi: On Wednesday, the Supreme Court of India reprimanded Ashoka University assistant professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad for his social media comments regarding India’s Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. Although he was granted interim bail, the court criticized Mahmudabad for his Facebook post, accusing him of engaging in ‘dog-whistling’.
Following the bail decision, Ashoka University expressed its relief, stating, ‘We are relieved and heartened by Prof Ali Khan Mahmudabad being granted interim bail by the Hon’ble Supreme Court. This has brought great comfort to his family and all of us at Ashoka University.’
Dog whistling and cheap publicity
The case was reviewed by Justices Surya Kant and N Kotisar Singh, who claimed that the professor was seeking ‘cheap publicity’. Justice Kant remarked, ‘Everyone has the right to free speech. But is this the right time to discuss such communal issues? The country has faced significant challenges, and we were united against attacks on our innocents. Why seek cheap popularity now?’
The Supreme Court further accused Mahmudabad of dog whistling, which involves using coded language to target specific societal groups. ‘While everyone is entitled to freedom of expression, Mahmudabad’s statements exemplify what is legally termed dog whistling,’ the court stated. ‘Given the current circumstances in the country, it was inappropriate for him to use language that could be seen as insulting or humiliating. As an educated individual, he should have found more suitable words.’
The Supreme Court has declined to halt the investigation against the professor. The court instructed the Haryana Director General of Police to form a Special Investigation Team comprising senior IPS officers from outside Haryana and Delhi within 24 hours. This SIT will concentrate on examining and clarifying the implications of the post.
Additionally, Mahmudabad has been mandated to assist with the investigation while on bail. The apex court also specified that the professor’s bail is subject to three conditions: he must refrain from writing any articles, making online posts, or giving speeches related to the case; he must not comment on the Pahalgam attack or Operation Sindoor; and he must surrender his passport.
