The Delhi High Court has granted bail to two individuals involved in the 2020 Delhi riots, citing significant delays in the trial proceedings. The petitioners had been in custody for over two years, and the court observed that prolonged pre-trial detention without a timely trial violates their fundamental rights.
Background:
The two men were accused of being involved in the violent protests and rioting that occurred in various parts of Delhi in February 2020. These riots escalated from protests over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and resulted in significant loss of life, property damage, and widespread unrest. The petitioners had been facing charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other related offenses.
Court’s Rationale:
The High Court noted that while the gravity of the charges against the accused could not be dismissed, the delay in the commencement of the trial was unjustifiable. It pointed out that the accused had already been in custody for a considerable period without any progress in the legal proceedings, leading the court to conclude that they were entitled to be granted bail.
Existing Measures:
The case underscores the judiciary’s emphasis on timely trials and the protection of individual rights against prolonged detention. Courts have routinely granted bail in cases where undue delay in trial proceedings is evident, as part of safeguarding constitutional guarantees.
Conclusion:
The Delhi High Court’s decision to grant bail emphasizes the importance of a timely judicial process, especially when it comes to ensuring that the accused are not unduly punished while awaiting trial. This ruling could have broader implications on how future riot-related cases are handled, with a focus on expediting trials and ensuring justice is not delayed.