Ailing DU professor gets temporary bail from HC

Suspended Delhi University professor G N Saibaba, arrested for alleged Maoist links, was on Tuesday granted temporary bail for three months by the Bombay High Court considering his deteriorating health condition. “We are satisfied that if Saibaba is not released on temporary bail for medical treatment then there is a chance that his life will be at risk. This court would be failing in its duty to protect the fundamental right of Saibaba,” a division bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice S B Shukre said.

The court directed authorities to release wheeler chair-bound Saibaba, who is lodged in Nagpur prison since his arrest last year by the Maharashtra police, on a bail bond of Rs 50,000. The HC had taken <g data-gr-id="16">suo</g> <g data-gr-id="17">motu</g> (on its own) cognisance of the matter following a news report on Saibaba’s health condition and a letter written by activist Purnima Upadhyay to it.  

The court had earlier called for doctor’s report which stated that Saibaba was suffering from a condition which causes degeneration of his spine. “Saibaba needs physical therapy, pain management and supportive care of his family. He can get treatment at any of the hospitals which are on the panel of the Delhi University,” the court said.