Supreme Court Advocates for Timely Bail Applications

The Supreme Court recommended mechanisms to address the backlog of bail applications in high courts. Measures include automatic listing and setting firm deadlines for decisions. The Court emphasized collaboration among high courts, state governments, and agencies to strengthen procedural efficiency while safeguarding victim rights.

Addressing the growing backlog of bail applications across the nation's high courts, the Supreme Court on Monday proposed several measures to expedite processes. A bench comprised of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi underscored the need for a collaborative approach among high courts, state governments, and investigative agencies to ensure timely disposal of bail pleas, assuring that victim rights remain protected.

The Supreme Court stressed that its recommendations aim to enhance systemic efficiency, emphasizing an approach devoid of criticism towards any high court's functioning. Noteworthy is the Allahabad High Court's concern, where pendency volumes are substantial. The bench facilitated the discretion of the Chief Justice alongside the administrative committee to strategize on hearing dates for bail appeals, with a further recommendation of prioritizing them in cause lists.

The top court reflected on numerous suggestions, one being the introduction of an automatic software listing bail pleas bi-weekly. It advocated for mandatory status reports ahead of hearings and digital portals for report uploads, stressing the fundamental right to personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. The efficiency of forensic science laboratories, especially with narcotic cases, was also highlighted. Meanwhile, proposed mechanisms are suggested for Patna High Court to handle similar issues.