In a startling revelation of judicial delay, the Supreme Court of India recently adjudicated a case involving a four-year delay in deciding a bail application. The petitioner, Imran, had filed a Criminal Miscellaneous Bail Application (CRMBA No. 40542 of 2020) in the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad. The bail application remained pending for over four years despite the ongoing progress of the trial.
The case, registered under Diary No. 61209/2024, saw the petitioner seek relief from the Supreme Court after an inexplicable delay in the disposal of his bail plea by the Allahabad High Court.
The Supreme Court Proceedings:
The matter came up for hearing before a bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan on January 6, 2025. Advocates Md. Anas Chaudhary, Kavindra Yadav, and Ms. Alia Bano Zaidi represented the petitioner, while there was no representation listed for the respondent, the State of Uttar Pradesh.
Key Legal Issues:
1. Judicial Delay in Bail Applications: The Supreme Court highlighted the unprecedented and unjustifiable delay in the High Court’s handling of the bail application.
2. Implications of Trial Progress: Despite the trial nearing completion—with the prosecution having closed its evidence and the recording of statements under Section 313 Cr.P.C. imminent—the pending bail application showcased a procedural lapse.
3. Constitutional Right to Speedy Justice: The Supreme Court underscored that prolonged delays in deciding bail applications could undermine fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
Observations and Ruling:
The Supreme Court expressed “shock” and disappointment over the pendency of the bail application for over four years. The Court stated:
“The fact remains that the bail application is pending past 4 years. This is shocking and undermines the judicial process.”
In its judgment, the Supreme Court opted not to call for an explanation from the High Court, given that the trial was nearing its conclusion. Instead, it directed the Supreme Court Registry to forward a copy of its order to the Hon’ble Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court for appropriate action and consideration.
“We are shocked to learn that the bail application filed by the petitioner in the High Court… is still pending as on date,” observed the bench, reflecting the gravity of the procedural lapse.
While disposing of the special leave petition, the Court stressed the need for systemic reforms to prevent such delays in the future.
