Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESKK : The college professor from West Bengal, arrested for a social media post referring to a sensitive police operation as “Operation Sindoor,” has been granted bail, with the court issuing a strong advisory about the importance of choosing words responsibly in public discourse.

The professor, who teaches political science at a reputed government-run college in North Bengal, was arrested following a post he made on X (formerly Twitter) in which he referred to the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) recent actions in Sandeshkhali as “Operation Sindoor.” The NIA operations pertained to alleged crimes involving land grabs, intimidation, and sexual assault by suspended TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates. The term used in the post triggered sharp criticism, with authorities arguing that it trivialized the plight of women who had come forward with serious allegations.

According to police, the post was deemed to be derogatory and potentially defamatory, allegedly insulting the modesty of women involved in the case. The professor was booked under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to public mischief, defamation, and outraging the modesty of women. His arrest was met with outrage by civil liberties groups and members of the academic community, who labeled the action as an assault on free speech and academic freedom.

Legal representatives for the professor argued that the post was an instance of satire and political commentary, not intended to demean or insult any individual or group. They claimed that the arrest was a disproportionate response and warned that such actions set a dangerous precedent for freedom of expression, particularly for those in educational institutions who often comment on socio-political issues.

The court granted bail to the professor while acknowledging that the choice of language in his post could be seen as inappropriate or insensitive, especially given the gravity of the allegations involved in the Sandeshkhali case. However, the court ruled that the post did not amount to a criminal offense serious enough to justify continued custody.

The judge, in his remarks, said that while freedom of speech is a protected right, individuals—especially those in influential positions like educators—must remain mindful of how their words may be interpreted in the public domain. The court advised the professor to exercise greater discretion when commenting on sensitive matters in the future.

The ruling sparked a fresh wave of discussion across academic circles, legal forums, and social media platforms. The West Bengal College and University Teachers’ Association (WBCUTA) welcomed the bail order but criticized the arrest in the first place. In a statement, the association said, “While we respect the court’s advice on language, we must express our concern over the criminalization of public commentary. Educators must be allowed to engage in socio-political dialogue without fear of arrest.”

Meanwhile, the state remains on edge as the NIA continues its investigation into the Sandeshkhali incidents. The phrase “Operation Sindoor” was seen by many, especially women’s rights activists, as mocking the victims who had already endured intimidation while coming forward with their complaints. Critics of the professor's post argued that it undermined the courage of these women and injected sarcasm into an issue that deserved solemnity and support.

Though now out on bail, the professor is expected to appear before the court for further proceedings as the case continues. For now, the incident serves as a cautionary tale about the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the responsibility that comes with public commentary—especially in politically charged environments where every word can be subject to legal and social scrutiny.