New Delhi: In a landmark move, the Supreme Court on Friday directed all courts across India to pronounce bail orders either on the same day or the next, offering long-awaited relief to thousands of undertrial prisoners languishing in jails.
The directive came from a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, which also ordered high courts to deliver reserved judgments within three months to prevent litigants from facing prolonged uncertainty. The case stemmed from delays in pronouncements by the Jharkhand High Court.
Invoking its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, the apex court made clear that its directions are binding on all trial and high courts. It further ruled that if a high court bench fails to pronounce a reserved judgment within three months, litigants may approach the chief justice to have the matter re-listed before another bench.
The court emphasized that bail orders must be prioritized, as they directly concern a citizen's fundamental right to life and liberty under Article 21. With thousands of prisoners stuck behind bars due to procedural delays, the ruling is expected to significantly reduce prolonged incarceration.