The Supreme Court allowed Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad to write on subjects unrelated to the case on social media. The court also bly instructed the investigating agency to maintain impartiality.
New Delhi. The Supreme Court has provided significant relief to Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad of Ashoka University. The court has permitted him to write and post on social media and other platforms on topics unrelated to the case. Furthermore, raising questions about the investigating agency's working style, the court stated that the investigation should be fair and objective.
Supreme Court questions police investigation
During the hearing on Wednesday, the bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, made b remarks, asking why the investigating agency was leading itself in the wrong direction. The court explicitly stated that the purpose of any investigation should be to arrive at the truth, not to take action motivated by any prejudice.
The court clarified that the investigating agency should adopt an impartial approach within the framework of the Constitution. While the court allowed Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad to write on social media or other platforms, it imposed the condition that he would not share any comments or content related to the case.
Arrested over "Operation Sindoor" post
Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad was arrested by the Haryana Police on May 18th for a social media post. This post was allegedly in reference to "Operation Sindoor." Following the arrest, he was sent to 14 days of judicial custody.
This arrest sparked a nationwide debate, raising questions about freedom of expression. Subsequently, on May 21st, the Supreme Court granted him interim bail but refused to stay the investigation process.
Direction to form SIT
To ensure a fair investigation of the case, the Supreme Court directed the Director General of Police of Haryana to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The court also clarified that no police officer from Haryana and Delhi would be included in this team. The appointment of at least one female officer in the team will also be mandatory.
This directive from the court is significant as it attempts to address public concerns about the fairness of the investigation. The Supreme Court also stated that the team should include senior IPS officers who could proceed with the investigation with experience and impartiality.
Professor can now write on other subjects
Earlier, the Supreme Court had granted bail to Ali Khan Mahmudabad on the condition that he would not make any public statements related to the case and would stay away from social media. Now, the court has relaxed this restriction, allowing him to write on other subjects, share his views, and participate in public forums.
Currently, the matter is pending in the Supreme Court, and the upcoming hearing will decide in which direction the investigation proceeds. It will also be seen whether any concrete evidence comes to light against Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad.
