Decide on bail pleas within two months, SC tells HCs, Pg6

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court directed High Courts to decide bail applications within two months, except when delays are due to the parties involved.
• The order emphasizes that personal liberty applications should not be pending for years.
• The ruling came while upholding a Bombay High Court order related to a cheating and forgery case.
• The court highlighted that prolonged delays frustrate the Code of Criminal Procedure and violate Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.

Detailed Insights:

• The Supreme Court has consistently emphasized the need for expeditious decisions on bail and anticipatory bail applications.
• Prolonged delays in resolving bail matters can lead to a denial of justice and infringe upon the fundamental right to liberty.
• High Courts are instructed to issue administrative directions to subordinate courts, prioritizing cases involving personal liberty and avoiding unnecessary adjournments.
• Investigating agencies are expected to expedite investigations in long-pending cases to prevent prejudice to both complainants and accused individuals.
• High Courts are urged to develop mechanisms to prevent the accumulation of pending bail applications, ensuring the liberty of citizens is not unduly restricted.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Anticipatory Bail: Bail granted to a person in anticipation of an arrest.
• Article 14: Guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.
• Article 21: Protects the right to life and personal liberty.