📷 Image Credits: India Today
Delhi’s Rouse Avenue court recently granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, drawing attention to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud’s remarks and advocating for swifter judicial proceedings. The court highlighted the importance of expediting court processes and upholding the rights of undertrials in its decision. The special CBI Judge Nyay Bindu referenced Chief Justice Chandrachud’s speech at the CBI Day celebration, where he acknowledged the challenging responsibilities of trial court special judges handling CBI and ED cases. The judge emphasized the Supreme Court and CJI’s encouragement to trial courts to accelerate the judicial system in such matters. The court stressed the necessity for government authorities and higher courts to reduce case backlogs and expedite proceedings, underscoring the significance of considering the constitutional rights of undertrials. Quoting American statesman Benjamin Franklin, the court reiterated, “It is better that 100 guilty persons should escape than that one innocent person should suffer,” affirming a commitment to prevent innocent individuals from being wrongfully punished. The bail order highlighted instances where accused individuals endured prolonged trials and sufferings until proven innocent, emphasizing the irreplaceable mental and physical distress experienced by such individuals. Moreover, the court referenced Lord Chief Justice of England, Lord Hewart, stating that “Justice should not only be done but should be seen to be done,” emphasizing the importance of ensuring a fair judicial process. However, the Delhi High Court intervened and stayed the trial court’s bail decision for Kejriwal, citing the need for a thorough review of the case records. This development indicates a significant legal standoff that will continue to unfold in the judicial system of India.