NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has reaffirmed that an accused has a fundamental right to a speedy trial, regardless of the severity of the alleged offense. The court ruled that detaining an undertrial prisoner for six to seven years without a verdict constitutes a violation of this right, making them eligible for bail.
A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan granted bail to an accused under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) who had been in custody for five years without a conclusion to his trial. The bench also raised concerns over the delays caused by prosecuting agencies, which often examine an excessive number of witnesses, prolonging legal proceedings.
Judicial Concern Over Delays in Trial
The court stressed the need to reassess trial delays and their impact on an accused person’s rights. It noted that lengthy pretrial detention results in severe personal and financial hardships, and acquitted individuals are not compensated for their lost years.
“If an accused is to wait six to seven years for a final verdict as an undertrial, then his right to a speedy trial under Article 21 of the Constitution is unquestionably infringed,” the bench stated.
It further highlighted the psychological and social toll on undertrial prisoners, noting that even if an accused is acquitted, they may have already suffered job loss, financial strain, damaged relationships, and social stigma.
Case Details: Bail Granted Due to Inordinate Delay
The accused was arrested in March 2020 in Chhattisgarh, allegedly carrying items linked to Naxalite activities, including a walkie-talkie and an LED lens. The prosecution had planned to examine 100 witnesses, but in five years, only 42 had testified.
Though the Supreme Court generally exercises caution in granting bail for serious offenses, it ruled that the accused’s prolonged detention without trial completion justified his release.
“It has been five years, and the state’s counsel has no estimate of how much longer it will take to complete oral evidence. Given the circumstances, we have no option but to order his release on bail,” the bench concluded.
The ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the right to fair and timely trials, ensuring that prolonged legal delays do not amount to indefinite punishment without conviction.
