The Supreme Court has directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating posts made by Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mehmoodabad regarding Operation Sindoor to complete its inquiry within four weeks.
The court has granted Ali Khan Mehmoodabad permission to publish online posts or articles, provided he refrains from commenting on matters currently sub judice in the case.
Furthermore, the court ruled that it will not be compulsory for him to appear in person before the SIT.
On May 21, the top court granted interim bail to the Ashoka University professor, who was arrested for his social media posts on Operation Sindoor, but refused to stay the investigation against him.
The apex court had directed the setting up of a three-member SIT to look into the FIRs lodged against him.
The Haryana Police arrested Ali Khan Mehmoodabad on May 18 after two FIRs were registered against him. His contentious social media posts on Operation Sindoor, it is alleged, endangered the sovereignty and integrity of the country.
The two FIRs — one based on a complaint by the chairperson of Haryana State Commission for Women, Renu Bhatia, and the other on a complaint by a village sarpanch — were lodged by Rai police in Sonipat district.
“On the Commission chairperson’s complaint, the FIR has been lodged against Professor Ali of Ashoka University under BNS sections 152 (acts endangering sovereignty or unity and integrity of India), 353 (statements conducing to public mischief), 79 (deliberate actions aimed at insulting the modesty of a woman) and 196 (1) (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion),” police said.
Several political parties and academicians have condemned the arrest.
Supreme Court, Special Investigation Team, Ali Khan Mahmudabad, Operation Sindoor, Ashoka University
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