The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed sharp disapproval of the Allahabad High Court for repeatedly deferring a bail application 27 times in a matter involving an accused in a cheating case investigated by the CBI. Observing that such delays were unacceptable in matters concerning personal liberty, the apex court granted bail to the petitioner, Lakshya Tawar.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice Augustine George Masih pulled up the high court, questioning how it could postpone a bail hearing so many times. “In a matter of personal liberty, the high court is not expected to keep the matter pending and adjourn it 27 times,” the Chief Justice remarked.
The Supreme Court closed the pending bail proceedings before the high court and issued notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), observing that the only issue now under consideration was the repeated adjournments in the lower court.
“We normally do not entertain petitions against adjournments,” the bench noted, “but this is a glaring example of injustice where personal liberty is at stake.”
Tawar, booked under several sections of the Indian Penal Code including cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy, also faces charges under Sections 13(1)(d) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The Allahabad High Court had deferred his bail hearing most recently on March 20 and directed the trial court to expedite proceedings before revisiting his bail plea.
The high court had cited Tawar’s extensive criminal record—33 prior cases—to justify its cautious approach. It also instructed the CBI to ensure the complainant, Sanjay Kumar Yadav, was present for recording his statement and permitted cross-examination on the same day to avoid further delays.
The Supreme Court’s intervention highlights its continued emphasis on protecting individual liberty and preventing procedural delays in criminal justice administration.
