In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has rebuked the National Investigating Agency for sluggish trial proceedings under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967. Emphasizing the constitutional right to a speedy trial, the Court declared that the severity of an offense cannot justify withholding bail if the prosecuting agency fails to expedite proceedings.
The case involved a man held since February 2020 on charges related to counterfeit currency smuggling from Pakistan. Despite the serious nature of the allegations, the Court asserted that every accused has a fundamental right to swift justice, as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
Highlighting precedents and legal principles, the Court criticized the neglect of bail as punitive and underscored that bail must be granted when the accused’s presence at trial can be assured. Referring to significant judgments, including those pertaining to delays in trial, the Court condemned the four-year delay in framing charges in this instance.
The ruling underscored the humane treatment of offenders, advocating against viewing criminals as irredeemable and acknowledging the socio-economic factors often underlying criminal behavior. It concluded by granting bail to the petitioner, affirming the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
This decision marks a pivotal moment in criminal justice, reaffirming the primacy of procedural fairness and the protection of individual liberties in legal proceedings.
