Speedy trial takes precedence over anti-terror law provisions, says SC

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that the constitutional right to a speedy trial would have precedence over the stringent provisions of laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, emphasising that courts cannot let individuals languish in jail indefinitely.

- Utkarsh Anand

A bench of justices Abhay S Oka and AG Masih held that prolonged incarceration without trial constitutes a violation of Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. It noted that statutory bars under UAPA cannot be the sole reason to deny bail, particularly when trials are unlikely to conclude within a reasonable time-frame.