NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday suggested that the Haryana government may consider showing a “one-time magnanimity” towards Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, who faces criminal charges for allegedly posting two contentious social media posts on Operation Sindoor, regarding the issue of granting sanction for prosecution.
The observation came from a two-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, after Additional Solicitor General SV Raju informed the court that though the chargesheet was filed in August 2025, no sanction had yet been granted by the Haryana government.
The apex court observed that if the competent authority chooses to take a lenient view, the matter could be closed, in which case the court would not need to examine the merits. Raju requested more time to obtain instructions on whether the state government is inclined not to grant sanction as a one-time magnanimity.
The CJI remarked that the court expects Mahmudabad to behave responsibly during this period. “The issue can be given a burial or closed as a one-time magnanimity. We are quite sure he will behave responsibly,” the bench said. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Mahmudabad, submitted that there is nothing significant in the matter and agreed with the top court’s suggestion.
The Supreme Court also extended its order restraining the trial court from taking cognisance of the chargesheet filed by the Haryana SIT against Mahmudabad in the FIR regarding Operation Sindoor.
In his posts, Khan had criticised Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and stated that all plaudits received by Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army should reflect on the ground. He also urged right-wing supporters in India to speak against mob lynching.
Mahmudabad, Associate Professor and head of the Political Science department at Ashoka University, moved the top court challenging his arrest. He clarified that his comments were completely misunderstood. The prosecution charged him with endangering India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity. The State Women’s Commission also criticised his comments as disparaging toward women officers and promoting communal disharmony.
Posts on Operation Sindoor triggered row
Mahmudabad had criticised Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and highlighted Colonel Sofiya Qureshi’s contribution in India’s press briefing. He urged right-wing supporters to speak against mob lynching. The State Women’s Commission alleged his posts disparaged women officers and promoted communal disharmony.