The Supreme Court has issued a series of instructions to expedite the processing of bail applications pending before High Courts nationwide. Emphasizing the need for collaboration among courts, investigating agencies, and governments, the court highlighted the importance of safeguarding the personal liberty of undertrial prisoners while upholding victims’ rights. The court directed that bail matters should be listed weekly or at least fortnightly, with a mechanism for relisting pending bail pleas every two weeks.
Expressing concern over delays in hearing bail applications, the apex court stressed that such delays directly impact the fundamental rights of accused individuals. It mandated that fresh bail pleas should be promptly listed, preferably on alternate days or within a week of filing. Additionally, the court ruled that status reports must be filed before the first hearing of a bail plea, and advocates filing bail applications should serve an advance copy to the office of the Advocate General or the designated agency concerned.
The Supreme Court further instructed that the practice of issuing notice at the admission stage should be discontinued. It emphasized that bail applications not taken up for hearing should be automatically relisted without the need for fresh procedural steps. Moreover, all High Courts were directed to set a timeline for the expeditious disposal of bail matters and discourage unnecessary adjournments sought by the Union or state governments.
Highlighting delays in forensic reports, the court urged Chief Justices of High Courts to ensure the timely submission of reports from forensic science laboratories (FSLs) by working closely with state governments. In cases focusing on victims, investigating officers were reminded to conduct thorough investigations to prevent any potential grounds for granting bail to an accused or suspect. The court stressed the importance of High Courts and investigating agencies collaborating to ensure the swift resolution of bail applications while safeguarding victims’ rights.
