Operation Sindoor FIR Quashed by Bombay High Court
The Bombay High Court granted relief in the Operation Sindoor FIR Quashed case on October 27, 2026. Justice Milind Jadhav quashed the FIR against a 20-year-old engineering student from Pune. The case concerned her Instagram repost criticizing the government’s handling of military tensions with Pakistan.
The student attended Sinhgad Academy of Engineering in Pune. Police had arrested her in May 2025 after protests over her social media activity.
While granting relief, Justice Jadhav considered her age and academic future.
The Court observed:
“Noting the fact that the petitioner is a young engineering student, I have allowed her plea.”
The ruling brings an end to the criminal proceedings arising from the disputed Instagram story.
Engineering Student Arrested Over Instagram Repost
The controversy began in May 2025 during heightened military tensions between India and Pakistan.
The petitioner shared an Instagram post from an account named Reformistan.
The post reportedly criticized the government’s role in the developments surrounding Operation Sindoor.
However, the student deleted the story within two hours.
She also issued a public apology after receiving online threats.
Despite these actions, the controversy continued on her college campus.
Subsequently, Kondhwa Police Station in Pune registered a criminal case against her.
Police arrested the student on May 7, 2025, following protests at the institution.
College Rusticates Student Over Social Media Activity
Sinhgad Academy of Engineering also took disciplinary action against the student.
The institution is a private unaided engineering college affiliated with Savitribai Phule Pune University.
On May 6, 2025, the college issued a rustication order.
The administration alleged that the student’s social media activity had damaged the institution’s reputation.
Additionally, it claimed that her posts reflected anti-national sentiments.
The college also raised concerns about campus safety and security.
However, the student challenged the decision before the Bombay High Court.
She argued that the rustication was arbitrary and unlawful.
Furthermore, she sought relief against the criminal proceedings initiated over the Instagram story.
Bombay High Court Intervenes During May 2025 Hearings
The matter first reached the High Court during its summer vacation in May 2025.
A Vacation Bench comprising Justice Gauri Godse and Justice Somasekhar Sundaresan heard the student’s plea.
The Bench expressed concern over the actions of the police and college administration.
It also considered the consequences for the student’s education.
Consequently, the Court directed her immediate release from custody.
The Bench also intervened in the college’s disciplinary action.
It stayed the rustication order and permitted the student to appear for her pending examinations.
These directions provided immediate protection while the legal proceedings continued.
Court Considers Student’s Age and Academic Career
The criminal petition later came before Justice Milind Jadhav.
The Court examined the student’s request to quash the FIR.
During the hearing, the Judge considered her circumstances, including her young age.
The petitioner was only 20 years old when the Court granted final relief.
Moreover, she was pursuing an engineering degree.
Justice Jadhav emphasized her status as a young student while allowing the petition.
The Court consequently quashed the FIR registered at Kondhwa Police Station.
The order ended the criminal proceedings arising from the disputed social media repost.
Operation Sindoor FIR Quashed: Key Developments
The case involved several important events between May 2025 and October 2026.
May 6, 2025 — College disciplinary action
Sinhgad Academy of Engineering issued a rustication order against the student.
May 7, 2025 — Instagram controversy and arrest
The student reportedly reposted content from Reformistan and later deleted it. Kondhwa Police arrested her following campus protests.
May 2025 — Interim High Court relief
A Vacation Bench directed her release and allowed her to attend pending examinations.
October 27, 2026 — Final judicial relief
Justice Milind Jadhav allowed the petition and quashed the FIR.
Significance of the Bombay High Court Ruling
The case highlights the consequences that social media controversies can have for students.
It also demonstrates how criminal proceedings and institutional disciplinary action can affect academic careers.
In this case, the High Court intervened at two important stages.
First, the Vacation Bench protected the student’s immediate liberty and educational interests.
Later, Justice Milind Jadhav granted final relief by quashing the FIR.
The ruling is significant because the Court expressly considered the petitioner’s young age and student status.
However, the reported observations do not establish a general exemption from criminal liability for social media activity.
Instead, the decision concerns the specific facts and circumstances of the student’s petition.
Ultimately, the order brings the criminal proceedings against the Pune engineering student to an end.
