In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has granted bail to an undertrial who had been in custody for over four years, highlighting the undue delays in the trial process. The Court underscored the constitutional right to a speedy trial, as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
Justice Hrishikesh Roy and Justice R. Mahadevan noted that while hasty trials can compromise the defense’s preparation, prolonged delays also infringe upon the accused’s rights. The petitioner, Balwinder Singh, had been facing a murder charge since 2020. Despite a High Court order to expedite the trial within five months, the process remains incomplete with 17 prosecution witnesses still to be examined.
The Supreme Court observed that Singh has already been in custody since June 2020, and six co-accused have been granted bail. To prevent the trial process from becoming a punishment in itself, the Court decided to grant bail, instructing that appropriate conditions be set by the trial court.
The Court also referenced a poignant quote from Oscar Wilde, reflecting on the harsh realities of incarceration:
“I know not whether Laws be right,
Or whether Laws be wrong;
All that we know who be in jail
Is that the wall is strong;
And that each day is like a year,
A year whose days are long.”
The case is Balwinder Singh v. State of Punjab.
