Mumbai court warns TISS students seeking anticipatory bail of long-term career impact

Mumbai: A Mumbai sessions court has issued a stern warning to nine students of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) who have sought anticipatory bail in a criminal case linked to an unauthorised campus event, observing that their involvement could have long-term consequences for their professional careers, according to a report by The Times of India.

The students, all pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work, are under investigation for organising an event at the TISS Deonar campus to mark the first death anniversary of Delhi University professor GN Saibaba. Saibaba, who had been jailed for alleged links to Maoists and later acquitted in a UAPA case, died on October 12, 2024, due to health complications after spending nearly a decade in Nagpur Central Jail.

While extending interim protection from arrest to the students until February 5, when arguments on their anticipatory bail pleas are likely to be heard, the court questioned them about their backgrounds and highlighted the possible impact of the criminal proceedings on their future careers. The judge noted that a criminal record could adversely affect employment prospects in both government and private sectors, where candidates are often required to disclose pending criminal cases.


The court also observed that the implications of such cases are not limited to Maharashtra, as police records are accessible across the country. During the hearing, the judge expressed scepticism about the students’ ability to secure employment given the ongoing case, irrespective of their academic qualifications.

The event in question was held on October 14, 2024. Following this, the TISS administration lodged a complaint with Trombay police, alleging that the students had organised 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 probe, added charges of criminal conspiracy, stating that the event was organised at the behest of external parties. The students have been booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) related to unlawful assembly, rioting, promoting enmity between groups, imputations prejudicial to national integration, and disobedience of lawful orders issued by a public servant. Charges under the Maharashtra Police Act have also been invoked.

With inputs from TOI