A sessions court in Mumbai issued a stern warning on Monday to nine students from the prestigious Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) who are seeking anticipatory bail in a criminal case. The judge emphasized that their involvement in this legal matter could have severe and permanent consequences for their professional futures, potentially ruining their careers before they even begin.
Court Extends Interim Protection Until February 5
The judge extended the students' interim protection from arrest until February 5, when arguments on their bail pleas are expected to be presented. The students, all pursuing Master's degrees in Social Work, are under investigation for organizing an unauthorized event on the TISS campus at Deonar. This event was held to commemorate the first death anniversary of Delhi University professor GN Saibaba, who had been jailed for alleged links to Maoist groups before his acquittal and subsequent death due to health complications on October 12, 2024.
Judge Questions Students About Backgrounds and Consequences
During the proceedings, the judge posed pointed questions to the students about their personal backgrounds and the potential impact of the legal case on their lives. "How many of you are from outside Maharashtra? You came to study in Maharashtra for all this? Your fathers know about the case? How many of your fathers are in government jobs? You will not get government jobs because of the case," the judge stated, highlighting the immediate professional repercussions.
The court further elaborated on the long-term consequences of having a criminal record, noting that these implications extend far beyond the public sector. "You have a criminal record now, your record is with the police not just here but everywhere in the country. You know that you have made a blunder so early, before your career starts, your career is ruined," the judge remarked. Even in private employment, candidates are typically required to disclose any pending criminal matters, which could severely limit their job prospects.
Skepticism About Employment Prospects Despite Academic Credentials
When the students' lawyer mentioned their academic program, the judge expressed significant skepticism regarding their employment prospects in light of the criminal case. "You think you are scientists or engineers? Even engineers don't have jobs," the judge said, adding that their degrees from TISS would likely not help them secure employment under these circumstances. This comment underscores the judge's concern about the lasting damage a criminal record can inflict on professional opportunities, regardless of educational qualifications.
Details of the Unauthorized Event and Charges
The event in question took place on October 14 last year, commemorating the first death anniversary of GN Saibaba. The TISS administration filed a complaint with the Trombay police, alleging that the students had held an unlawful assembly and raised slogans in support of jailed activists Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid. The Mumbai Crime Branch, which subsequently took over the investigation, recently added charges of criminal conspiracy, suggesting that the event was organized at the behest of outside parties.
The students face multiple charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including those related to unlawful assembly, rioting, promoting enmity between different groups, making imputations or assertions prejudicial to national integration, and disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant. Additionally, they have been booked for offences under the Maharashtra Police Act, reflecting the seriousness of the allegations against them.
Background on GN Saibaba and the Event's Context
GN Saibaba, a former Delhi University professor, spent nearly a decade in Nagpur central jail after being convicted under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for alleged Maoist links. He was acquitted in 2024 but died shortly thereafter on October 12 due to health complications. The students' event aimed to mark his first death anniversary, but it has now led to significant legal troubles for them, with the court's warning serving as a stark reminder of the potential lifelong consequences of such actions.
