Anubrata Mandal
The Supreme Court is set to deliberate on the bail plea of West Bengal Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Anubrata Mandal on March 20th. Mandal, a prominent figure in West Bengal politics, has been embroiled in legal proceedings for some time now, and his bail petition has sparked controversy due to the prolonged duration of his detention.
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Anubrata Mandal, highlighted the concerning aspects of the case during the court proceedings. Rohatgi pointed out that despite the filing of four chargesheets in the case and the release of all other accused on bail, Mandal continues to remain incarcerated. His argument emphasized the disparity in treatment within the judicial system, where Mandal has been languishing in jail for a year and a half while others accused in the same case have secured bail.
The disparity in treatment becomes even more apparent considering the staggering number of witnesses involved in the case. Rohatgi revealed that there are a total of 309 witnesses slated to testify, yet Mandal finds himself alone behind bars as the legal process unfolds at a sluggish pace.
The crux of the issue lies in the perceived lack of progress in the lower court, where Mandal’s case is being heard. Despite the passage of time and the mounting complexities of the legal proceedings, Mandal’s right to a speedy trial appears to be hampered by bureaucratic hurdles and delays within the judicial system.
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The Supreme Court’s decision to hear Mandal’s bail petition brings this case into the national spotlight, raising questions about the fairness and efficiency of the legal process. The judiciary’s role in ensuring justice for all parties involved, regardless of their political affiliations or social standing, comes under scrutiny as Mandal’s plea for bail underscores the need for equitable treatment before the law.
As the nation awaits the Supreme Court’s verdict on March 20th, the case of Anubrata Mandal serves as a stark reminder of the challenges inherent in the Indian judicial system and the imperative to uphold the principles of fairness, expediency, and impartiality in dispensing justice.