India – CASR: Two Years of Wrongful Incarceration

We hereby share a statement issued by the Campaign Against State Repression (CASR).

Two Years of Wrongful Incarceration: CASR Demands Immediate Release of Advocate Kripa Shanker Singh and Activist Binda Sona Singh

The Campaign Against State Repression (CASR) strongly condemns the continued imprisonment of Advocate Kripa Shanker Singh and activist Binda Sona Singh, who have now completed two years of wrongful incarceration under the so-called “Maoist links” case in Uttar Pradesh.

On 5 March 2024, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) raided their homes and arrested them in connection with a 2019 case. Advocate Kripa Shanker Singh, a practicing lawyer at the Allahabad High Court, has long represented political prisoners and marginalized communities. Binda Sona Singh, a former teacher and now a private legal typist, has been associated with democratic and civil liberties work. Their arrest marked yet another instance of targeting lawyers and activists under sweeping allegations of “Maoist links,” without transparent disclosure of specific incriminating material.

Deteriorating Health and Inhumane Conditions

Over the past two years, both have suffered serious health consequences in custody. Advocate Kripa Shanker Singh has been continuously lodged in a sensitive/segregated barrack (semi-solitary confinement), leading to acute psychological distress, including hallucinations. Such conditions are medically recognized as harmful and cannot be adequately treated within prison facilities. Repeated court applications seeking relief have yielded no meaningful intervention. During incarceration, he also developed hydrocele. Jail doctors themselves have recommended surgical intervention, yet the court has not taken urgent cognizance of this medical necessity.

Binda Sona Singh has faced persistent gynaecological complications, with inadequate access to proper medical treatment inside prison. Essential medicines often have to be arranged from outside. Recently, she fell within the jail premises, suffering a severe sprain in her leg. Even in that condition, she was compelled to attend court proceedings while limping, reflecting the utter disregard for her health and dignity.

Bail Delayed

Their bail applications have been pending before the High Court for over a year. Dates are formally listed, but the matter repeatedly fails to be taken up for hearing. On the most recent date, 19 February, the file was once again not taken up. Such prolonged delays effectively convert pre-trial detention into punishment, undermining the fundamental principle that bail, not jail, should be the norm.

A Pattern of Criminalising Dissent

CASR views this continued incarceration as part of a broader pattern in Uttar Pradesh where democratic activists, lawyers, and civil liberties defenders are implicated in expansive “Maoist links” cases based largely on allegations relating to possession of literature or electronic material, without clear evidence of unlawful acts. The incarceration of Advocate Singh—whose professional duty is to defend constitutional rights—sends a chilling message to the legal fraternity and democratic movements.

Two full years behind bars without trial, without adequate medical care, and without bail being heard on merits constitutes a grave assault on civil liberties and human rights.

CASR Demands:

1. Immediate release of Advocate Kripa Shanker Singh and Binda Sona Singh.
2. Urgent and independent medical treatment for both.
3. Expedited hearing of their pending bail applications.
4. An end to the continued targeting of democratic activists under sweeping “Maoist links” allegations.

Two years of incarceration without conviction is not justice — it is punishment through process.

Campaign Against State Repression (CASR)
Organising Team

(AIRSO, AISF, APCR, ASA, BASF, BSM, Bhim Army, BSCEM, CEM, Collective, CRPP, CSM, CTF, DISSC, DSU, DTF, Forum Against Repression Telangana, Fraternity, IAPL, Innocence Network, Karnataka Janashakti, LAA, Mazdoor Adhikar Sangathan, Mazdoor Patrika, NAPM, Nazariya, Nishant Natya Manch, Nowruz, NTUI, People’s Watch, Rihai Manch, Samajwadi Janparishad, Samajwadi Lok Manch, Bahujan Samajwadi Manch, United Peace Alliance, WSS, Y4S)