The Supreme Court ruled that the right to speedy trial under Article 21 of the Constitution of India cannot override strict bail conditions under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. It set aside the High Court’s bail order for failing to satisfy mandatory “twin conditions” under Section 37 in a commercial quantity drug case.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court rejected bail for YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, arrested last year for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence officials. The court said there was “abundant evidence”, noting attempts to delete conversation records and alleged transmission of sensitive data to operatives of the Pakistan intelligence agency.