The Supreme Court had a striking response when a lawyer raised concerns about prolonged bail delays in Bihar, suggesting the backlog might be a reason for peace in the state.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta made the remark while hearing a plea regarding bail case pendency, which often extends to nine months. The petitioner’s counsel urged the Court to direct the trial court to expedite hearings, prompting Justice Nath to respond wryly, “That is why there is some peace in Bihar.”
Following this exchange, the Court refused to intervene, dismissing the plea but granting petitioner Nandan Mahto the liberty to withdraw and seek regular bail before the trial court. The order instructed Mahto to surrender within two weeks and apply for bail, with the trial court directed to consider the plea on its own merits.