SLP(Crl) No. 003929 - / 2022

In bail matters involving grave offences, courts retain broad discretion to refuse regular bail, even where the accused has been in prolonged pre-trial custody, while simultaneously directing expeditious conclusion of trial within a fixed timeframe to safeguard the liberty interests of the undertrial. This principle, as analysed on casestatus.in, reflects the balance between personal liberty under Article 21 and the gravity of the alleged offence. Such directions bind the trial court to conclude proceedings preferably within one year from communication of the order.