Supreme Court Grants Interim Bail to Khan Mahmudabad, Directs formation of SIT to Probe the Matter

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Supreme Court has granted interim bail to Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad who was arrested for his controversial social media post on 'Operation Sindoor'. However the court has criticized his 'choice of words' and advised him to refrain from making any statements regarding the subject till the investigation is going on. The court has also directed to form Special Investigation Team (SIT)  to probe the matter.

Conditions for Bail:

1. Mahmudabad must refrain from making online statements or publishing articles related to the ongoing investigation.

2. He is restrained from commenting on the recent crisis faced by India, specifically the terrorist attack on Indian soil or the counter-response by the nation.

3. He must surrender his passport to the relevant authorities.

SIT Formation and Investigation:

1. The SIT will be constituted within 24 hours.

2. Mahmudabad must fully cooperate with the investigation.

3. The SIT can look into any additional material unearthed during the probe.

Background:

1. Mahmudabad was arrested on May 18 over social media remarks on Operation Sindoor, India's strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK).

2. Two FIRs were filed against him for allegedly criticizing the Army and making derogatory comments about two women officers.

University's Response:

1. Ashoka University issued a statement, saying they are "relieved and heartened" by the interim bail.

2. The university's Faculty Association had defended Mahmudabad, calling the charges baseless.