Bail delay a breach of basic rights: SC

Says even a single day's delay in deciding bail plea affects fundamental rights of the people

- SUCHITRA KALYAN MOHANTY

CRITICISING the practice of courts keeping bail applications pending for years, the Supreme Court, in a recent order, said that even a single day's delay in deciding such matters adversely affects the fundamental rights of citizens under the Indian Constitution.

The apex court has time and again emphasised the importance of personal liberty, said a two-judge bench of the top court, led by Justice BR Gavai and also comprising Justice V Viswanathan.

"It has been observed by this court that even a single day's delay in deciding the bail application adversely affects the fundamental rights of the citizens," the court said in an order passed on Friday.

"We do not appreciate the practice of keeping bail application pending for years together," it added.