The arrest of Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, head of the Political Science Department at Ashoka University, has triggered widespread concern, with Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President Mahmood Madani strongly criticizing the move as a violation of civil liberties.
Speaking out against the arrest, Madani stated that the professor’s remarks, based on his understanding, did not amount to incitement or disrespect, making the charges appear unfounded and unjustified.
Concerns Over Freedom of Expression
Madani emphasized that the right to critique and express dissent — even when aimed at the government — is a cornerstone of democratic societies. “Criticism of a political party or ideology does not equate to opposition to the nation itself,” he asserted, warning that equating the two sets a dangerous precedent.
The professor’s arrest, he said, highlights deeper issues around how laws are selectively enforced and how justice is applied, particularly when political speech is involved.
Accusations of Double Standards
Madani pointed to the inconsistency in the handling of provocative statements. He cited a Madhya Pradesh minister who publicly labeled Colonel Qureshi as a ‘terrorist’s sister.’ Despite the inflammatory nature of the comment, the minister only received a judicial reprimand — with no disciplinary action from the government or his party.
“In contrast,” Madani noted, “Professor Mahmudabad was swiftly arrested for statements that were far less provocative, if at all.”
Call for Legal Integrity and Immediate Intervention
Madani urged the judiciary to uphold the true spirit of the law — one that defends fundamental freedoms rather than punishes dissent. “Democracy thrives when divergent opinions are respected, not when voices are silenced out of fear,” he said.
He called on the Indian government to intervene immediately and ensure that the arrest of Professor Mahmudabad is reversed through prompt and lawful action.
Professor Mahmudabad was taken into custody in Delhi following a complaint filed by a BJP youth wing member over a social media post regarding Operation Sindoor — a recent military operation that has drawn both praise and criticism online.
His arrest has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over freedom of expression, academic independence, and the growing criminalization of dissent in India.
