JNU Student Acquitted After Decade in Prison, Questions Pace of Indian Justice System

Hem Mishra, a former student at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), has been acquitted by the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court after spending ten years incarcerated under charges related to Naxal activities. This case has brought to light significant concerns regarding the efficacy and fairness of the judicial process in India, particularly under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). According to Kashmir Media Service, Mishra, initially convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment under UAPA, spoke about the irreversible impact of his decade-long imprisonment, stating, “I can’t get those 10 years back.” Despite the challenges he faces in resuming his life, Mishra remains committed to speaking out against injustice and continuing his education in Chinese language studies, reflecting on the broader implications of his experience for civil liberties in India. His case has ignited debate over the potential misuse of anti-terrorism laws like UAPA and the consequences for those involved
in social justice movements, highlighting the need for judicial reforms to prevent similar miscarriages of justice.