Supreme Court Emphasizes Importance of Expeditious Bail Decisions

 

The Supreme Court of India has reiterated the crucial role of Article 21 in the Constitution, highlighting the paramount importance of individual liberty. The court emphasized the need for High Courts to handle bail applications promptly to uphold this fundamental right.

Key Points:

• The court observed that the Bombay High Court's delay in deciding Amol Vithal Vahile's bail plea, despite his imprisonment exceeding seven years, constituted a "non-exercise of jurisdiction."
• The court emphasized that Article 21 guarantees the right to liberty, and undue delays in adjudicating bail applications infringe upon this right.
• Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice Sandeep Mehta expressed concern about the Bombay High Court's trend of shunting bail applications instead of deciding them on merit.
• The court requested the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court to advise all judges handling criminal cases to prioritize bail applications and decide them expeditiously.

Background:

• Amol Vithal Vahile, accused of murdering a corporator in Maharashtra, was imprisoned for over seven years before the Bombay High Court granted him bail after intervention from the Supreme Court.
• In its earlier order on January 29, 2024, the Supreme Court criticized the High Court's approach of directing Vahile to file a fresh bail application before the trial court instead of evaluating his plea directly.

Overall, the Supreme Court's ruling serves as a reminder to High Courts regarding their responsibility to uphold the right to liberty enshrined in Article 21. It underscores the need for prompt and efficient adjudication, particularly in matters concerning bail applications.

It is important to note that this judgment pertains to a specific case and may not establish a binding precedent for all future cases. However, it highlights the growing importance of timely bail decisions in safeguarding individual liberty.