National Human Rights Commission: On 21-05-2025, the National Human Rights Commission (‘NHRC’) took suo motu cognizance in a case involving the arrest of Ashoka University Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad.
In a press release published by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), this action was taken after NHRC came across a news report dated 20-05-2025 regarding the arrest and remand to custody of Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad.
The NHRC noted that the gist of the allegations, contained in the report, based on which Professor Mahmudabad was arrested, disclosed, prima facie, that his human rights and liberty were violated. Therefore, NHRC deemed it a fit case for taking suo motu cognizance.
Accordingly, it issued a notice to the Director General of Police, Haryana, calling for a detailed report on the matter within one week.
Background
Professor Mahmudabad is facing charges over his social media posts regarding ‘Operation Sindoor’ under Sections 196, 152, and other provisions of the Penal Code, 1860, related to offenses prejudicial to communal harmony, making statements likely to cause disharmony, endangering national sovereignty, and using words or gestures intended to insult a woman’s modesty.
Thereafter, he was arrested on 18-05-2025 and later granted interim bail by the Supreme Court on 21-05-2025.
Source: PIB
