The Allahabad High Court ordered the Uttar Pradesh government to pay Rs 5 lakh compensation to a man allegedly kept in illegal detention despite a court stay on his arrest, while directing disciplinary proceedings against the concerned SHO for dereliction of official duty.
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.
The Supreme Court directed High Courts to ordinarily pronounce judgments within three months of reserving verdicts, expressing concern over delays in delivery and uploading of judgments, especially in matters involving personal liberty, while issuing comprehensive nationwide guidelines to ensure timely judicial pronouncements and accessibility.
The Supreme Court issued directions for speedy disposal of pending bail applications nationwide, stressing protection of undertrial prisoners’ rights and personal liberty. A Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant urged High Courts and investigating agencies to coordinate and avoid unnecessary delays.
The Allahabad High Court ruled that UP’s anti-conversion law does not prohibit interfaith marriages or live-in relationships between consenting adults. The Court said the right to live with a person of one’s choice, regardless of religion, is protected under Articles 14, 15 and 21 of the Constitution.