The Supreme Court of India condemned the prolonged delays in bail applications, asserting that even a single day’s delay infringes on citizens’ fundamental rights. Highlighting the importance of personal liberty, the court emphasized the need for timely adjudications. In a specific case, it urged the Allahabad High Court to prioritize and expedite a pending bail application, advocating for swift justice.
New Delhi: In a strong statement, the Supreme Court of India recently condemned the prolonged pendency of bail applications, stressing that such delays severely impact citizens’ fundamental rights.
“Even a single day’s delay in deciding the bail application adversely affects the fundamental rights of the citizens,”
the apex court emphasized, underlining the crucial role of personal liberty in the justice system. This observation was made by a bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan, who voiced their disapproval of the practice of keeping bail applications pending for extended periods.
The court’s statement came in response to a plea filed by an individual whose bail application had been pending before the Allahabad High Court since August 2023. Despite several scheduled hearings, the case had seen no substantial progress, with repeated adjournments and no effective hearing taking place. Highlighting the importance of timely decisions in bail matters, the Supreme Court noted the detrimental impact that delays in bail adjudications can have on a person’s right to liberty and fair treatment.
“We do not appreciate the practice of keeping bail applications pending for years together,”
the bench stated, emphasizing that such delays are unacceptable. The apex court’s repeated emphasis on the right to personal liberty demonstrates a commitment to uphold citizens’ fundamental rights and prevent unnecessary deprivation of freedom due to procedural delays.
In addressing the petitioner’s case, the Supreme Court noted that his bail application was scheduled to be heard by the Allahabad High Court on November 11, 2024. The bench requested that the judge handling the matter prioritize the case, advising that it be decided “as expeditiously as possible and, in any case, within a period of two weeks from November 11, 2024.” With this directive, the Supreme Court aimed to accelerate the resolution of the petitioner’s bail application, setting a precedent for expedited hearings in similar cases.
This strong stance by the Supreme Court reflects a growing concern about delays in the judicial system, particularly concerning bail matters. The court’s remarks serve as a reminder to the judiciary at all levels about the importance of safeguarding personal liberty and addressing bail applications promptly. By emphasizing “even a single day’s delay” as a critical issue, the Supreme Court seeks to ensure that procedural inefficiencies do not infringe upon the fundamental rights of citizens awaiting justice.
FOLLOW US FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES ON YOUTUBE