The Bombay High Court has granted interim protection from arrest until August 31 to Kamakhya Das, a former student of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), in connection with a case involving alleged slogan shouting in support of jailed figures Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. The matter pertains to an event organized on October 12, 2025, at the TISS campus to commemorate late Delhi University professor GN Saibaba. While hearing the matter, a single bench of Justice Prafulla Khubalkar observed that the investigating agency had already seized the laptop and mobile phone of the accused, indicating that custodial interrogation is not necessary at the current stage of the investigation. However, the court directed Das to fully cooperate with the ongoing probe and present himself before the police as ordered.
High Court Directive and Conditions for Interim Relief
While issuing the interim shield against arrest, the Bombay High Court stipulated specific conditions that Kamakhya Das must strictly follow. Under the court's directive, Das has been instructed to appear before the investigating officer at the Trombay police station on August 19 and August 24 between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Furthermore, he is required to attend questioning whenever summoned by the investigating agency in connection with the case. Justice Khubalkar emphasized that since all relevant electronic devices have already been confiscated by the police, keeping the accused in custody for interrogation is not required right now. The court has scheduled the next detailed hearing of the case for August 31, extending the interim protection until that date.
Defense Arguments and the 'Gen-Z' Context
Appearing on behalf of Kamakhya Das, Senior Advocate Mihir Desai presented detailed arguments defending the former student's conduct. Advocate Desai informed the court that his client has consistently cooperated with the investigating agency, having already appeared before the police on five separate occasions, and possesses no prior criminal antecedents. The defense counsel argued that merely attending a memorial service for a deceased academic or employing expressions such as 'Rest in Power' does not in itself constitute a criminal offense under the law.
Highlighting the youth context, the senior counsel referred to the behavioral patterns of Gen-Z, explaining that young individuals in this age demographic sometimes express sentiments passionately during moments of heightened emotion without necessarily understanding every broader implication. Desai questioned whether a young student should be subjected to incarceration for such expressions. He also informed the bench that Das has completed his academic degree at TISS and is currently gainfully employed elsewhere, demonstrating that he poses no flight risk and is committed to facing the legal process.
Incident Details and FIR Registered at Trombay Police Station
The legal proceedings stem from an incident at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences campus in Mumbai, which led to a formal complaint filed by the TISS Registrar. Following the complaint, an First Information Report (FIR) was registered at the Trombay police station. According to the prosecution, on October 12, 2025, a group of nine students gathered on the campus grounds to hold a memorial gathering for late Delhi University professor GN Saibaba.
The prosecution alleged that during the gathering, candles were lit, revolutionary poetry was recited, and slogans were raised advocating the release of jailed individuals Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. Fearing arrest after his name was included in the FIR, Kamakhya Das initially approached the sessions court seeking pre-arrest bail. Following the rejection of his plea by the lower court, he moved the Bombay High Court, which has now granted him conditional relief.
State Opposition and Allegations of a Broader Conspiracy
Opposing the interim relief granted to Das, Chief Public Prosecutor Shishir Hiray, representing the state government of Maharashtra, argued that the allegations against the accused extend beyond simple slogan shouting on campus. The prosecutor contended that the material uncovered during the probe points toward a broader conspiracy that requires thorough investigation.
Citing forensic examination findings, the state prosecutor alleged that investigators discovered deleted applications and digital books on the seized electronic devices. The prosecution claimed these materials contained content linked to separatist ideologies, the Khalistan movement, and the banned organization CPI (Maoist). Additionally, the state alleged that Das had issued a threat to a police officer during the course of the investigation, justifying the need for custodial interrogation.
The 'Iceberg' Metaphor and Prosecutor's Submissions
Elaborating on the nature of conspiracy investigations, Chief Public Prosecutor Shishir Hiray used the metaphor of an iceberg to describe the case before the court. He submitted that when investigating complex conspiracies, the details contained in the initial FIR represent only the small tip visible above the water line, while a substantial volume of evidence remains hidden beneath the surface. Based on this reasoning, the state strongly urged the court to deny interim protection and allow custodial questioning. After considering the submissions from both sides, the Bombay High Court chose to shield Das from arrest until August 31, subject to his compliance with all investigation requirements.
