The Supreme Court of India has suggested that all high courts establish outer timelines for disposing of bail pleas, aiming to expedite hearings in matters involving personal liberty while balancing the rights of victims and the interests of investigation.
A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi clarified that the measures are intended to serve as institutional guidelines for high courts to develop their own mechanisms, considering local requirements and the constitutional imperative of protecting liberty.
The court emphasized the need for a collaborative approach between high courts and investigating agencies to ensure timely adjudication of bail applications without compromising victim rights.
The bench recommended that high courts consider fixing outer timelines for disposing of bail applications, evolve regular listing practices, and discourage routine adjournments sought by Union or state governments.
Additionally, the court suggested institutionalizing weekly or fortnightly listing of bail matters, including an automatic relisting mechanism, and reducing delays at the threshold stage by filing status reports before the first hearing.
The court's observations came in response to concerns over prolonged incarceration of undertrial prisoners and repeated adjournments in bail proceedings across high courts.
