Supreme Court expresses shock over 4-year delay in Allahabad High Court bail plea
New Delhi, Jan 8: The Supreme Court expressed its dismay at the prolonged delay in deciding a bail application pending before the Allahabad High Court for four years.
The application was filed by Imran, an accused in a murder case who has been in custody for six years as reported by Bar and Bench.
A Bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan observed, "We are shocked to learn from the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner that the bail application filed by the petitioner in the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad bearing Criminal Miscellaneous Bail Application No. 40542 of 2020 is still pending as on date," as reported by Bar and Bench.
Advocate Md. Anas Chaudhary, appearing for Imran, informed the Supreme Court on January 6 that despite being in custody for six years, Imran’s bail plea had been adjourned 16 times in the High Court. The council also pointed out that the co-accused in the case had already been granted bail. Seeking relief, Chaudhary requested interim bail for his client. However, the Supreme Court declined to entertain the plea, noting that the trial in the case was nearing completion.
"Perhaps, what is now left could be the recording of the further statement of the petitioner-accused under Section 313 of the Cr.P.C. and the final arguments," the Court observed.
Although the Supreme Court refrained from seeking an explanation from the Allahabad High Court, it directed the matter to be brought to the attention of the High Court's Chief Justice.
"The Registry shall forward this order to the High Court with a request to place this order before Hon’ble Chief Justice of the High Court of Allahabad for his kind consideration," the Bench ordered as reported by Bar and Bench.