Supreme Court Slams Maharashtra for ‘Double Standards’ on Bail and Trial Delays

The Supreme Court on Friday expressed strong disapproval of the Maharashtra government's approach to criminal trials, noting that while the state vehemently opposes bail applications, it fails to ensure timely trials. The court directed the state to explain its policy for addressing delays that keep undertrials in prolonged custody.

A bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Sheel Nagu was hearing an appeal by a foreign national charged with murder and rioting. The appellant had been in custody for over four years, yet only two of the 45 prosecution witnesses had been examined. The court described this as a 'disturbing' trend.

'The petitioner has remained in custody for over four years and, out of 45 witnesses, only two have been examined. This is something that has been bothering the court for quite some time. The state opposes bail tooth and nail, but when it comes to discharging its obligation of conducting the trial without undue delay, it is found to be totally lacking,' the bench observed.

The state's counsel claimed that 'substantial progress' had been made, but the court remained unconvinced. Justice Amanullah remarked, 'Every day we see that Maharashtra is in default. Tooth and nail opposing bail, but nothing on the ground. Double standards. We will expose you before the public.'

The court directed the Maharashtra government to file an affidavit detailing reasons for the delay and any specific policy to prevent such situations. It also noted that similar issues had been raised against the Punjab government, which was recently fined ₹50,000 for delay in a narcotics case.

The bench declined to grant bail to the appellant, stating no case for relief had been made out. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on July 24.