Supreme Court Upholds Right to Speedy Trial, Grants Bail to Under-Trial After Nine Years, In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India emphasizes the fundamental right to a speedy trial, releasing Vaibhav Singh on bail after prolonged detention.
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India has granted bail to Vaibhav Singh, who has been in judicial custody for nine years as an under-trial prisoner. The apex court's decision underscores the fundamental right to a speedy trial as enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution, reiterating that prolonged detention without trial conclusion is a violation of this right.
The case, Vaibhav Singh v. State of Uttar Pradesh, was brought before the Supreme Court after the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad denied regular bail to the petitioner. Singh was arrested on March 7, 2017, in connection with offenses under Sections 147, 148, 149, 120-B, and 302 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, related to Case Crime No.116 of 2017, with the trial pending in Sessions Case No.331 of 2017.
The bench, comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Ujjal Bhuyan, expressed disappointment with the High Court's decision to deny bail, despite the extended duration of Singh's detention. The court highlighted a misinterpretation by the High Court of a previous Supreme Court ruling in X v. State of Rajasthan, which emphasized the conclusion of trials post-commencement rather than indefinite detention.
The Supreme Court's order emphasized that the gravity of a crime does not justify prolonged detention if it infringes on the accused's right to a speedy trial. It acknowledged the necessity to uphold constitutional rights, particularly when an individual has languished in jail for years without fault. The court ordered Singh's immediate release on bail, subject to conditions set by the trial court, and disposed of the Special Leave Petition along with any pending applications.
This judgment reinforces the judiciary's commitment to constitutional rights and sets a precedent ensuring that delays in the judicial process do not compromise the liberty of individuals awaiting trial.
Bottom Line:
Bail - Accused languishing in jail as under-trial prisoner for nine years - Fundamental right to speedy trial enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution infringed - Bail granted forthwith.
Statutory provision(s): Indian Penal Code, 1860 Sections 147, 148, 149, 120B, 302; Constitution of India, 1950 Article 21
Vaibhav Singh v. State of Uttar Pradesh, (SC) : Law Finder Doc id # 2890817
