India’s Supreme Court granted bail to a man charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act after he spent nearly six years in custody without trial completion.
The bench cited more than five years and eleven months of incarceration while proceedings remained unfinished. Justices said prolonged pre-trial detention without meaningful progress violates principles of personal liberty protected under the Constitution.
The accused is from Jammu and Kashmir, a region where UAPA cases often involve extended investigative timelines and strict bail standards. The court’s order does not acquit him but allows release pending trial subject to conditions.
Civil liberties groups have long argued that UAPA’s stringent bail provisions can effectively punish defendants before conviction. Monday’s ruling adds to a line of Supreme Court decisions emphasizing speedy trial rights even in security-related prosecutions.
Prosecutors may appeal or seek stricter bail terms, but the order requires authorities to implement release arrangements. Trial courts are expected to expedite hearing schedules in response to the apex court’s observations on delay.
The Supreme Court granted bail to a UAPA accused from Jammu and Kashmir after more than five years and eleven months in custody without trial completion. Justices said extended pre-trial detention without adjudication raises serious liberty concerns under constitutional law.
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