The Bombay High Court held on Friday that it was “inclined” to release G.N. Saibaba, Professor, University of Delhi, and the rejection of his earlier bail petitions needed to be re-examined as he was unwell.
The Additional Sessions Court and the Nagpur Bench of the High Court had rejected the bail applications of Professor Saibaba, who was arrested last year for alleged links with Maoists.
“We prima facie find that there is a change in circumstances before the order was passed by the Nagpur Bench rejecting bail …We find that the subsequent development of the deterioration in his health condition makes it necessary to re-examine the plea made by the petitioner to release him on bail subject to some conditions and safeguards,” a Division Bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice A.K. Menon observed.
“We are passing an order that we are inclined to release him of bail. We are not saying that the proceedings against him should be quashed.”
The court suggested the State to consider the option of house arrest and shifting the Professor to Delhi, where his family could provide him support in hospital.
“In his condition, I don’t think he will be able to attend university,” the court said, asking if the he was really a security threat.
The State will file its view on the court’s suggestions on Tuesday.
