Tue Oct 14 21:21:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Mumbai Police Book TISS Students for Memorial Gathering**

**Mumbai, October 15, 2025** – Ten students at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai have been booked by police for organizing a gathering to commemorate the first death anniversary of the late Professor G.N. Saibaba. The incident, which occurred on October 14th, has raised concerns about freedom of expression and academic autonomy.

According to TISS students, the gathering was a spontaneous event where 8-10 students met at a tea stall to discuss Prof. Saibaba’s contributions, recite his poems, and light candles. They deny allegations of sloganeering or expressing support for Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, both arrested in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots.

“It was a spontaneous decision…There was no event, no sloganeering in support of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. This is absolutely a rumour,” said a TISS student who attended the gathering.

Another student claimed that right-wing students affiliated with the Democratic Secular Students Forum took photos and posted them on social media, tagging the Chief Minister’s Office and Mumbai Police, leading to the police intervention.

The First Information Report (FIR) was filed by Dr. Vaishali Bhanudas Kolhe, Associate Dean of TISS, citing that the gathering was unauthorized and held without prior permission. The students have been booked under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Maharashtra Police Act, including those related to causing prejudice to the nation, promoting enmity between groups, and unlawful assembly.

Professor G.N. Saibaba, who suffered from over 90% disability, was arrested on charges of Maoist links but acquitted in 2024. He passed away on October 12th, 2025, months after his release.

TISS Registrar Narendra Mishra confirmed the filing of the FIR, stating that the administration was unaware of the gathering and the alleged sloganeering. He added that the Student Discipline Committee would allow the students to present their side of the story, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining law and order on campus.

The incident is under investigation, and further details are awaited.

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