Mumbai Court Warns TISS Students Over Saibaba Event, 9 Under Investigation

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TISS Students ⁤Receive ⁢Stern⁤ Warning in Saibaba Event Case

Mumbai, India – A⁣ sessions court in Mumbai issued a strong warning to ⁣nine ⁣students of the Tata ⁤Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) on Monday, cautioning that their⁤ involvement ⁤in a criminal case stemming from an unauthorized ⁢event could jeopardize their future‍ career prospects. The students are currently seeking anticipatory bail ‍related to the event.

Background of the ⁤Case

The⁢ students are under ⁣investigation for organizing a commemoration ⁤on the TISS campus⁤ in Deonar for GN Saibaba,‍ a Delhi University professor who died in October ‍2024⁤ after spending nearly a decade in jail following his ⁢acquittal‍ in a UAPA case The Hindu. The event marked the first death ⁣anniversary of Professor Saibaba. ⁤The TISS management filed a complaint with⁣ the Trombay police, alleging that the⁣ students held an unlawful assembly adn raised slogans⁢ in support‍ of ⁤jailed activists Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid.

Court’s Concerns and Warnings

The judge questioned the students, all pursuing Master’s degrees in Social Work, about their backgrounds⁤ and the potential impact of the legal proceedings on their lives.The court expressed concern over the long-term consequences of‍ having a criminal record, noting that it could hinder employment opportunities‍ not ‍only‍ in ⁢the public sector but also‍ in private companies, which often require disclosure⁣ of pending criminal matters.

“you have a criminal record now,‍ your record is⁤ with the⁢ police not just here but everywhere in the contry. You know that ⁣you have made a ⁤blunder so early, before your career starts, your career is ruined,” the judge reportedly stated. The judge also questioned the practicality of their degrees given the ⁤circumstances, stating, “you think you are scientists or engineers? even engineers don’t ⁢have ⁢jobs.”

Charges and Investigation

The Mumbai Crime Branch, which⁤ took‍ over the investigation, has added charges of criminal conspiracy,⁤ alleging that the event was organized at ‍the behest of⁢ external ⁢parties. The students face charges under various sections‍ of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) related to unlawful ⁤assembly, rioting, promoting enmity between different groups, and disobedience to a public servant’s order. They have ⁣also been booked under the Maharashtra police Act.

Current Status

The court has⁢ extended the⁣ students’ interim protection from‍ arrest until February 5, when arguments on their anticipatory bail pleas⁤ are expected to be presented.

Key Takeaways

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