Supreme Court Astonished by Four-Year Delay in Bail Application

New Delhi, Jan 8 (NationPress) The Supreme Court has voiced its astonishment upon learning that the bail application of a murder suspect has been unresolved at the Allahabad High Court for a duration of four years.

A bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan instructed the apex court registry to relay its directive to the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court for further consideration.

The bench led by Justice Pardiwala remarked: "We are taken aback to discover from the learned counsel representing the petitioner that the bail application submitted by the petitioner in the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad, designated as Criminal Miscellaneous Bail Application No. 40542 of 2020, remains unresolved as of the current date."

It acknowledged the assertion that the Allahabad High Court has yet to render a decision on the bail application of the petitioner.

"Given that the trial is nearing completion, we do not wish to request any report from the (Allahabad) High Court explaining why this bail application has lingered for four years. Nevertheless, the (Supreme Court) Registry will send this order to the High Court, requesting that it be presented to the Hon’ble Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court for his kind consideration," the bench ordered.

In its ruling, the apex court observed that the trial is ongoing and that the prosecution has finalized its evidence. "Perhaps what remains is the recording of the further statement of the petitioner-accused under Section 313 of the Cr.P.C. and the concluding arguments. However, the undeniable fact is that the bail application has been pending for four years," it stated.