PUCL, Bihar condemns the ill treatment of professor G.N. Saibaba in Nagpur Prison

Nov 23, 2017
Tags: Professor G.N. Saibaba, Nagpur Jail, human rights violation, prison conditions, Article 21, constitutional rights, dignity of prisoners, prison reform, rights of disabled prisoners
Related Issue: Right to Life and Personal Liberty (Article 21), Protection from Inhuman Treatment (Article 20 & 22), Right to Health (under Article 21)

Professor G.N. Saibaba who is in Nagpur jail since 7March, 2017 is suffering from 90% of disabilities still he is compelled to be confined in a solitary egg cell and deprived of any kind of necessities needed by a disabled person to carry his daily routine. It is not only against the basic human rights but also a shameful example being set before a civilized society.

Professor Saibaba who teaches English in DU was arrested three times since 2014. He remained in Jail for 25 months and rest of time he was in and out of hospitals. When he was first arrested, he could move around on his own on his wheel chair. His stints in jail worsened his health, and his mobility, making him totally dependent on others.

Professor Saibaba along with permanent disability, also suffering from high blood pressure, spinal pain and a heart problem(he once had a cardiac surgery also). Even then jail authorities have made no allowance for him. They do not allow him to wear lungi brought by his wife instead of pyjama which he can’t open because his left hand is not in a working condition. Even no blanket was available to him until oct-28 which he needed severely. No attendants are given to him. Only two fellow Adivasi prisoners are there who help him in carrying his daily work.

This Incident raises some serious questions on Indian Jails where there is absence of any kind of sensivity towards disabled prisoners. The ill treatment of any disabled prisoners in such manner is against the constitutional rights given to citizens of India. Article 21 of Indian constitution guarantees dignity even to prisoners. It doesn’t matter who are or why is he in prison, the dignity of a person must not be undermined.

PUCL, Bihar urges govt. of India and other concerned authorities to intervene in this matter as early as possible to safeguard life and dignity od disabled person.