G.N. Saibaba, a former professor of English at Delhi University, died on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences hospital located in Hyderabad, Telangana. He died at the age of 57 due to complications after his surgery for gallbladder infection. He was in prison for almost a decade, i.e., 10 years of his life, and released in March 2024, shortly before his death in October of the same year.
Professor used to teach at Ram Lala Anand College, Delhi University. He was known for his activism and academic works. His activism was mainly related to human rights. Especially for trial communities and other marginalized groups. He played a key role in pro-reservation protests in 1989-90, movements to support the rights of Adivasis, and a lot of other movements.
He was arrested by Maharashtra Police on May 9, 2014, for his alleged links with the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist). During the investigation period, authorities made it clear that he was involved with Maoist activities, largely in organizing meetings between Maoist leaders and activists.
Despite the fact that Saibaba was wheelchair-bound and 90% disabled due to post-polio syndrome, he was accused of being the part of a Maoist conspiracy, convicted under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in 2017, and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Although, in March 2024, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court overturned Saibaba’s conviction and declared him innocent, mentioning that there was insufficient evidence to prove that he was involved in Maoist activities. HC also called the earlier trial court proceedings the ”failure of justice.”.
After he was released from jail, he stated to the media that when he was in prison, he had no illness other than his disability, but after he was released from jail, he was facing muscular complications, and also his heart was only 55% functional. He also stated that his liver, gallbladder, and pancreas have also been affected during his imprisonment; his right hand was partially functional, and doctors suggested him multiple surgeries. He mentioned that he couldn’t go to the prison’s hospital, there were no separate toilets for disabled people, and he was always lifted for toilet and bath needs. Due to all these complications, his mental health also got affected.
While the High Court corrected their mistake by acquitting Saibaba, the lengthy delay in addressing the flaws in the case resulted in his unjust incarceration for approximately 10 years. Although it was a combination of systemic issues and procedural flaws. The High Court was not initially responsible for the errors; it corrected them only after Saibaba had spent almost a decade in jail.
