The Supreme Court affirmed that speedy trial is a fundamental right, granting bail to Raushan Singh, an undertrial incarcerated for over 4.2 years. The Court criticized delays in the trial, emphasizing that indefinite detention is unacceptable. This ruling reinforces individuals’ rights against excessive pre-trial incarceration and urges lower courts to prioritize timely resolutions.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court reaffirmed that “speedy conclusion of trial is a fundamental right” and held that undertrials cannot be subjected to indefinite incarceration. The ruling came on Friday when a bench comprising Justices Hrishikesh Roy and Pankaj Mithal granted bail to Raushan Singh, who had been in custody for over 4.2 years in connection with a case lodged in Bihar.
The case involved Raushan Singh, who challenged a June 2024 decision by the Patna High Court that denied him bail. Singh’s counsel highlighted that he had been in custody since his arrest in October 2020, while the trial remained incomplete.
The prosecution informed the court that three additional witnesses were yet to testify, attributing delays to a discharge application filed by another accused in the case.
The bench observed that Singh’s prolonged incarceration and the slow progress of the trial necessitated judicial intervention. “An undertrial cannot be subjugated to indefinite incarceration. Speedy conclusion of trial is a fundamental right, well-recognised in our jurisprudence,” the bench asserted.
Acknowledging the significant delay, the Court ruled that Singh should be released on bail, provided that appropriate conditions are imposed by the trial court.
The Supreme Court noted that there was no indication the trial would conclude soon, given the pending examination of prosecution witnesses.
“Having considered the period of incarceration and the fact that trial may not be concluded on a near date, we deem it appropriate to allow bail to the petitioner – Raushan Singh,”
the bench ruled.
While granting bail, the Court emphasized the importance of balancing the rights of the accused with the judicial process. It directed the trial court to ensure bail conditions suitable to the circumstances of the case.
Earlier, the Patna High Court had dismissed Singh’s bail plea, directing the trial court to expedite proceedings. It recommended concluding the trial within six months. However, the Supreme Court recognized the inherent challenges in achieving this timeline and acted to protect Singh’s constitutional rights.
The judgment underscores the Supreme Court’s commitment to upholding the constitutional rights of individuals, particularly undertrials. The ruling reiterates the judiciary’s role in preventing excessive pre-trial detention and ensuring timely resolution of cases.
This decision highlights the principle that an accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty and cannot be deprived of liberty for unreasonable periods without due process. It also serves as a reminder to lower courts to prioritize swift justice and minimize delays in criminal trials.
With this ruling, the Supreme Court has once again reinforced the fundamental right to a speedy trial, protecting undertrials from indefinite detention. The judgment not only provides relief to Raushan Singh but also sets a precedent for addressing delays in the judicial process that can undermine individual liberties.
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