Haryana to close case against Ashoka University professor

The Haryana government on Monday informed the Supreme Court that it has decided to close the criminal prosecution against Ashoka University history professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, who had been booked for allegedly making remarks on “Operation Sindoor”, India’s counter-operation against Pakistan following the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
A bench led by Surya Kant took note of the submissions made by Additional Solicitor General S. V. Raju, appearing for the State of Haryana. The law officer informed the court that the state has decided not to grant sanction for prosecution against the professor as a “one-time magnanimity”.The bench noted that the decision was taken in response to the court’s earlier order, in which it had urged the Haryana government to consider closing the case against Mahmudabad as a one-time act of magnanimity.
“In reference to the court’s earlier order, ASG S.V. Raju on behalf of the State of Haryana states that as a one-time magnanimity the state has decided not to grant any sanction for prosecution. Consequently, the proceedings pending before the court...the chargesheet has already been filed. We have no reason to doubt that the petitioner, who is a highly learned professor, will act in a prudent manner,” the bench observed.

The Haryana government has informed the Supreme Court that it has decided to close the criminal prosecution against Ashoka University history professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, who was booked for allegedly making comments on ‘Operation Sindoor’, India’s counter-operation against…

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2026

The professor had been booked over remarks linked to “Operation Sindoor”, which was launched by India as a counter-operation against Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. With the state deciding not to grant sanction for prosecution, the criminal proceedings against him are set to be closed.