Khadija Sheikh, arrested over Op Sindoor Insta story, released after HC order

Khadija Sheikh - a student of Sinhgad College Khandwa, Pune who was arrested for Instagram Story about Operation Sindoor, was Tuesday released after a Bombay High Court order

Mumbai: Khadija Sheikh - a student of Sinhgad College Khandwa, Pune who was arrested for Instagram Story about Operation Sindoor, was Tuesday released after a Bombay High Court order.

In a significant ruling Tuesday May 27, 2025, a Division Bench of Bombay High Court comprising Justices Gauri Godse and Somasekhar Sundaresan also slammed the Maharashtra government and the college for rusticating Sheikh.

The judges said it was shocking for them that the student was arrested even though she had deleted her post and apologized.

“It is shocking that after she deleted the post an FIR was lodged against her without even considering the fact that she deleted the post and even apologised,” the court said.

Khadija Sheikh Arrest Case

Khadija Sheikh was arrested on May 09 was lodged in Pune’s Yerwada Central Jail while the Sinhgad Engineering College rusticated her.

In the rustication order dated May 9, Dr K.M. Gaikwad, In-Charge Principal Sinhgad Academy of Engineering, reasoned “anti-national sentiments” and “opposition to Operation Sindoor”. The college Principal also accused her of “undermining the reputation of the college”.

Besides, the Pune City Police, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and intelligence agencies joined the probe in the case.

HC Harsh Comments

Doubling down their anger on the authorities, the court wondered if they intended to ruin the girl student’s career.

“What is this? You are ruining the life of a student? What kind of conduct this is? Somebody expresses something you want to ruin the life of the student? How can you rusticate? Did you call upon an explanation? What is the purpose of an educational institution?” Justice Gauri Godse asked, according to LiveLaw.

When the college’s Counsel began to argue on the aspect of national interest, Justice Sundaresan observed, “What national interest? She has already faced the consequence”.

The Court directed the authorities to release Khadija Sheikh before the sunset on Tuesday and allow her to appear in the ongoing exams.

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