Adversitement
The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Tuesday acquitted former Delhi University professor G N Saibaba in an alleged Maoist links case, noting the prosecution failed to prove the case against hi
Published On : 2024-03-05T16:12:17+0530 [ IST ] |
Author : Mayur_Tembhare
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India / Nagpur :
In a landmark decision, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has acquitted former Delhi University professor G N Saibaba and five others in an alleged Maoist links case. The court overturned the life sentence imposed on Saibaba, citing the failure of the prosecution to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
A division bench of Justices Vinay Joshi and Valmiki SA Menezes delivered the verdict, noting the lack of substantial evidence against the accused individuals. The court deemed the sanction procured by the prosecution under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) as "null and void," thereby invalidating the basis for the charges.
"The prosecution has failed to establish any legal seizure or any incriminating material against the accused," the court stated, emphasizing the lack of concrete evidence presented during the trial.
Furthermore, the court criticized the trial court judgment, deeming it unsustainable in the eyes of the law. The acquittal marks a significant legal victory for Saibaba and the other accused individuals, who have faced incarceration and legal battles for several years.
Saibaba, who is wheelchair-bound due to a physical disability, has been detained in the Nagpur Central Jail since his arrest in 2014. The case gained national attention due to its implications on civil liberties and human rights, sparking debates surrounding freedom of expression and dissent.
The prosecution's request to stay the court's order for six weeks was denied, with the bench directing them to file an application seeking stay. The decision represents a major setback for the Maharashtra government, which had vigorously pursued the case against Saibaba and the other accused.
The legal saga surrounding the case has seen multiple twists and turns, including previous judgments by the Bombay High Court and appeals filed in the Supreme Court. Despite the complex legal proceedings, the latest verdict brings a sense of relief to Saibaba and his supporters, highlighting the importance of due process and fair trial rights in the Indian judicial system.
Source : DNA
Tags : prosecution , trial court , Maoist links case , Nagpur bench , G N Saibaba , Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) , acquittal , Supreme Court , Bombay High Court , Maharashtra Government ,
Summary : The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has acquitted former Delhi University professor G N Saibaba and five others in an alleged Maoist links case, overturning the life sentence imposed on Saibaba. The court cited the prosecution's failure to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt and deemed the sanction procured under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) as "null and void." Saibaba, who is wheelchair-bound due to a physical disability, has been incarcerated since his arrest in 2014. The decision marks a significant legal development in a case that has garnered national attention and controversy.
Adversitement