Mumbai Judge Issues Stern Warning to TISS Students in Saibaba Case
A Mumbai sessions court extended interim protection from arrest to nine Tata Institute of Social Sciences students on Monday. The students face charges for attending a campus event marking the death anniversary of former Delhi University professor GN Saibaba.
Judge's Harsh Remarks on Future Employment
Additional Sessions Judge Manoj B Oza delivered sharp oral remarks during the hearing. He warned the students that the criminal case could severely impact their career prospects.
"You will not get government jobs because of this case," Judge Oza told the students standing before him. "Even in private employment, you must disclose this pending criminal case. Your career is ruined."
The judge asked how many students came from outside Maharashtra to study. He inquired about their fathers' occupations, particularly whether any held government positions.
Background of the Case
The Trombay police registered an FIR against the nine students in October 2025. The complaint came from an associate dean of TISS regarding an event held on October 12, 2025.
The gathering marked the first death anniversary of GN Saibaba. The former professor had been acquitted by the Bombay High Court in March 2024. The court ruled that the sanction to prosecute him under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act was invalid.
Saibaba had received a life sentence in 2017 for alleged Maoist links. The High Court overturned this conviction last year.
Court Proceedings and Investigation
During Monday's hearing, the judge noted the students' presence. In the previous December 23 hearing, the special public prosecutor had pointed out their absence.
The students' lawyer had assured the court they would attend Monday's proceedings. After addressing the students directly, Judge Oza asked them to leave the courtroom.
He adjourned the hearing to later this month for arguments on their anticipatory bail pleas. The court maintained the interim protection granted earlier.
As part of the investigation, police seized electronic devices from the students. This included mobile phones and laptops belonging to those named in the FIR.
Educational Background and Further Remarks
When the judge learned the students pursued Master's in Social Work degrees, he expressed skepticism about their employment prospects.
"You think you are scientists or engineers? Even engineers don't have jobs," Judge Oza remarked. He emphasized that their degrees might not help secure employment given the criminal record.
The judge stressed that the police now maintain records of the students nationwide. "You have made a blunder so early before your career starts," he told them.
The nine students remain under interim protection while their anticipatory bail applications await final arguments later this month.
