The Supreme Court has criticised the Allahabad High Court for repeatedly deferring the hearing of a bail plea on 43 occasions.
The apex court, in the case of Ramnath Mishra vs Central Bureau of Investigation, underlined that such prolonged delays cannot subject personal liberty.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice NV Anjaria observed that the accused had already spent over three and a half years in custody. The judges stated that constitutional courts are expected to treat bail petitions with urgency, particularly in cases involving personal freedom.
Alongside its order, the Supreme Court directed registrars of all High Courts to submit details of judgments reserved for more than three months but still pending delivery.
The Bench stressed that the judiciary must not keep liberty-related pleas pending for extended periods, granting adjournments without resolution.
The court further noted that it had previously faced a similar situation in May, when it granted bail to a co-accused in the same case after the High Court had adjourned his plea 27 times.
During the proceedings, Additional Solicitor General SD Sanjay, appearing for the Central Bureau of Investigation, opposed the petition.
He argued that granting bail while the plea remained pending before the High Court could set a precedent.
The Supreme Court, however, clarified that while it usually refrains from intervening in such situations, the extraordinary circumstances warranted an exception.
The Bench emphasised that repeated adjournments undermine the right to liberty, and they will not tolerate them.
The trial court must ensure its satisfaction before releasing petitioner Ramnath Mishra on bail. The ruling sends a strong message to constitutional courts to prioritise cases concerning personal liberty and avoid unnecessary delays in their adjudication.
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