Prison a microcosm of outside world, amplifying societal evils: Prof Saibaba

By Harsh Thakor* 

In a press conference held  in Telangana, Dr. G.N. Saibaba, a former English professor at Delhi University's Ram Lal Anand College and a political prisoner, has spoken candidly about the horrific conditions he endured while incarcerated. Recently acquitted of charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Saibaba shared his harrowing experiences and called for greater advocacy for the rights of political prisoners. 

Saibaba was previously convicted in 2017 for alleged connections to banned Left-wing extremist groups and sentenced to life imprisonment. However, on October 14, 2022, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court overturned his conviction. 

During the press meeting organized by the Telangana Union of Working Journalists (TUWJ), Saibaba delivered an impassioned account of India’s drift towards a "proto-fascist" state. He described prison conditions as reminiscent of colonial-era brutality and emphasized the urgency of mobilizing efforts to defend the rights of political prisoners, who are suffering like never before. 

His optimistic outlook after a decade behind bars serves as a powerful testament to human resilience and the thirst for freedom. A significant part of his address highlighted the rampant casteism prevalent in jails, demonstrating how incarceration dehumanizes individuals and strips them of their dignity. 

Saibaba recounted enduring lasting damage to his nervous system during the arrest, stating that he was denied necessary medical treatment. “I look forward to the future without regrets for the past ten years. I believe I can recover,” Saibaba declared, sharply criticising the inhumane conditions of imprisonment. 

He asserted that it is unjust for anyone, even convicted criminals, to be subjected to such treatment. “For the first time in my life, the jail authorities made me realize that I am disabled,” he added. 

Saibaba also recounted the denial of bail and parole requests, including one to attend his mother’s funeral, condemning the solitary confinement he faced. 

When asked about the impact of Telangana's statehood on prison conditions, he noted that the region had been liberated from the shackles of a ruling elite defined by caste and geography. 

“Prison acts as a microcosm of the outside world, amplifying societal evils,” he asserted, highlighting the caste-based discrimination that permeates prison life, where tasks are assigned according to inmates’ caste identities—a practice even documented in jail manuals. He criticized the amended Prisons Act of 1894, which permits “mild bodily torture” as a disciplinary measure, stating it blatantly violates constitutional rights. 

Saibaba expressed his disillusionment with the judicial system, perceiving it as part of a broader deterioration of societal institutions

Saibaba revealed that new prisoners are often subjected to arbitrary beatings upon arrival, with only a select few being spared. Recalling a meeting with former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, he expressed his concerns about prison conditions, only to find the politician later experiencing similar hardships firsthand. 

Echoing his sentiments, other prominent figures like Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut and businessman Naresh Goyal have also described the unacceptable state of prisons, yet systemic change remains elusive. "My belief is that no one should ever be imprisoned. The prison system devalues human life," Saibaba stated resolutely. 

Reflecting on his unjust arrest, Saibaba shared that he faced intimidation from a team of officials, including the Maharashtra police, aimed at suppressing his activism against the Operation Green Hunt campaign. He also mentioned co-activist Hany Babu, a linguist who is languishing in prison and facing severe health issues. .

Saibaba expressed his disillusionment with the judicial system, perceiving it as part of a broader deterioration of societal institutions. He highlighted that even inmates without formal education are aware of which judges are more likely to issue favorable rulings. 

He recounted discrepancies in his own bail petition process, which was frequently sidelined, drawing attention to the systemic inefficiencies and disparities within the judicial framework. 

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*Feelance journalist