Ashoka University professor case: NHRC notice to Haryana Police chief

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in a statement, said it has taken 'suo motu cognisance' of a media report in connection with the arrest.

New Delhi: Shortly after the Supreme Court granted interim bail to Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday sought a report from Haryana Police chief on Khan's arrest for a social media post, saying it appeared from media reports that his human rights were violated.

Mahmudabad, who heads the political science department in the Sonipat-based Ashoka University, was arrested on May 18 following two cases were filed against him for his remarks on media briefing of Operation Sindoor, invoking charges including endangering sovereignty and integrity of the country.

In a statement, the NHRC said it has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report about the arrest and remand to custody of Mahmudabad.

"The Commission has noted that the report, which contains a gist of the allegations on the basis of which he has been arrested, discloses, prima facie, that the human rights and liberty of the said Professor have been violated. Therefore, it has deemed it to be a fit case for taking suo motu cognizance of the reported incident," it said.

A notice has been issued to the Haryana Director General of Police, seeking a detailed report in the matter within one week.

During the day, the Supreme Court granted interim bail to Mahmudabad but refused to stay the investigation against him. He was earlier remanded to judicial custody till May 27 by a Sonipat court.