In a significant ruling from April 2022, the Supreme Court granted bail to a man who had served over 14 years in custody. The Court expressed dissatisfaction with the Allahabad High Court’s approach of rejecting bail applications solely because appeals were pending, noting that such delays only add to the backlog of cases.
The man had filed a bail application during the appeal process against his 2013 conviction. However, the Allahabad High Court dismissed the bail request in December 2019, citing that the appeal should be heard soon. Despite this, the appeal remained pending for seven years, and multiple requests for a hearing were either delayed or not addressed.
The Supreme Court observed that rejecting bail on the grounds of pending appeals serves no practical purpose, especially given the high volume of criminal cases in Uttar Pradesh. The Court criticized the practice, stating it worsens the strain on the judicial system.
Highlighting the man’s long custody period and the improbability of a prompt appeal hearing, the bench emphasized that a more pragmatic approach to bail is essential. The Court also urged the state to consider remission policies after 14 years of actual sentence, potentially resolving some cases without further appeals.
Setting aside the Allahabad High Court’s order, the Supreme Court granted bail to the appellant, instructing him to fulfill conditions set by the trial court.
This judgment underscores the need for efficiency in handling bail matters amidst a growing backlog of criminal cases.
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