The Supreme Court on Tuesday (January 6, 2026) suggested that the Haryana government show Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, facing criminal investigation for two contentious social media posts on Operation Sindoor, a “one-time magnanimity” by not giving sanction for his criminal prosecution.
A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant made the proposal to the State government after learning that Haryana has been sitting on the grant of sanction since August 2025, following the filing of the chargesheet against Mr. Mahmudabad in the trial court.
The trial judge would be unable to take cognisance of the case and move ahead with the proceedings unless the State government, which is the competent authority, grants prosecution sanction.
“The competent authority (Haryana government) can take a lenient view and as a one-time magnanimity not grant sanction so that the matter could be closed,” Chief Justice Kant observed.
Former civil servants group slams charges against Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad
