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Issues Involved:
1. Prolonged pretrial detention of undertrial prisoners. 2. Unsatisfactory bail system. 3. Delay in disposal of cases. 4. Need for judicial and legislative reforms. Summary: 1. Prolonged Pretrial Detention: The petition for a writ of habeas corpus reveals a shocking state of affairs in Bihar, where numerous men, women, and children are detained for years without trial. The offenses are often trivial, and the prolonged detention without trial is a gross violation of human rights and basic freedoms. The court emphasized that "expeditious trial and freedom from detention are part of human rights and basic freedoms." The judiciary and government must realize the urgency of addressing this issue to prevent further injustice. 2. Unsatisfactory Bail System: The current bail system is criticized for its "property-oriented approach," which disproportionately affects the poor. The court noted that the bail system "operates very harshly against the poor," as they often cannot afford bail or find solvent sureties. The court suggested that instead of monetary bail, other factors such as family ties, community roots, and employment status should be considered. The court directed that undertrial prisoners mentioned in the Indian Express should be released on personal bonds without monetary obligations. 3. Delay in Disposal of Cases: The court highlighted the notorious delay in the disposal of cases, stating that "speedy trial is of the essence of criminal justice." The delay in trials, sometimes extending to 3, 5, or even 10 years, constitutes a denial of justice. The court emphasized that "speedy trial is an integral and essential part of the fundamental right to life and liberty enshrined in Article 21." The state government must take responsibility and set up more courts with competent judges to expedite the trial process. 4. Need for Judicial and Legislative Reforms: The court called for a radical change in the legal and judicial system to ensure a "reasonable, just, and fair" procedure. The court suggested that Parliament should consider reforms to the bail system, including non-monetary releases based on relevant factors. The court also pointed out the need for explicit provisions in the Code of Criminal Procedure for releasing undertrial prisoners on personal bonds without monetary obligations. The court stressed that "the deprivation of liberty for the reason of financial poverty only is an incongruous element in a society aspiring to achieve constitutional objectives." Separate Opinion by Pathak, J.: Pathak, J. concurred with the need for interim relief and emphasized that prolonged detention without trial is an affront to civilized norms of human liberty. He highlighted the need for courts to exercise their discretion judiciously in granting bail or personal bonds. Pathak, J. also pointed out the absence of explicit provisions in the Code of Criminal Procedure for non-monetary releases and urged lawmakers to address this issue to prevent invidious discrimination based on financial poverty.
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