The Allahabad High Court termed the situation “shocking” after records showed that 4,847 people were placed in preventive detention in Prayagraj and Ghaziabad over two years. The Court expressed concern that many detainees remained jailed for days or weeks despite statutory safeguards under the law.
The Allahabad High Court held that habeas corpus petitions challenging an accused’s initial arrest and remand cannot ordinarily be entertained after cognizance, framing of charges, and substantial progress in trial. “Pandora’s Box Has Been Opened,” the Court remarked on recent illegal-arrest jurisprudence.
The Supreme Court held that loss of case records cannot justify keeping a criminal investigation pending indefinitely, expressing concern over a nearly two-decade delay. Setting aside the Gujarat High Court’s order, it directed Gujarat Police to complete the investigation within six weeks to protect the right to a speedy trial.
The Madras High Court quashed criminal proceedings against two men, holding that merely questioning the legality of police action cannot constitute a criminal offence unless the essential ingredients of the alleged offences are clearly established. The Court found the accusations vague and legally insufficient.
The Supreme Court awarded Rs 11 lakh compensation to a prisoner unlawfully kept in custody for 24 days beyond the legally permissible period, holding that wrongful deprivation of personal liberty constitutes a serious violation of Article 21 and undermines the constitutional guarantee of fundamental rights.
