Right to Speedy Trial Is Fundamental: Supreme Court Slams Delay in Justice

The Supreme Court, in a hearing held on Wednesday, allowed the release on bail of an accused person in the interest of fundamental rights. According to the court, no matter how serious the case is, the right to a speedy trial cannot be denied. In case of delay, the right to bail becomes an integral part of his fundamental rights.

Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice Ujjwal Bhuyan seemed to be shocked while hearing the case. A murder case undertrial in Uttar Pradesh has spent nine years behind bars. Upon realizing the truth, the court gave him the right to bail straightaway, without seeking the opinion of the state government, which is not the customary process of judgment.

The bench also objected to the Allahabad High Court's order rejecting the accused's bail plea. The High Court cited a Supreme Court decision as the basis for denying bail. However, the Supreme Court bench expressed disappointment over the High Court's failure to grasp the true meaning of the Supreme Court's order.

The Supreme Court bench further stated, "It appears that the High Court failed to grasp the true purpose and basis of this court's decision. The High Court should have simply considered the fact that the petitioner has been in jail as an undertrial for the past nine years. Considering the right to a speedy trial guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution, what more could the High Court have required to consider the petitioner's bail plea?"