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In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India has ruled that an order granting bail to an undertrial can be stayed only in exceptional circumstances. This significant decision underscores the fundamental principle that once an individual’s liberty is restored through bail, it should not be easily revoked.
The Supreme Court’s ruling came in response to a petition challenging the stay of a bail order granted by a High Court to an accused in a criminal case. The petitioner argued that the High Court’s decision to grant bail should be reviewed, claiming it was premature. The Supreme Court, however, held that staying a bail order is a rare judicial measure and should not be taken lightly.
The core issue addressed by the Court was whether a bail order, once granted, could be stayed by a higher court except in extraordinary situations. The Court noted that bail is a constitutional right and that any attempt to overturn such an order must meet high standards of judicial scrutiny.
The Supreme Court’s ruling affirms that a bail order can only be stayed in cases where there are grave errors or new evidence that significantly alters the case’s context. This decision reinforces the judiciary’s role in safeguarding individual rights and ensuring that the liberty of an undertrial is not arbitrarily curtailed.
This judgment sets a precedent for future cases, mandating that the review of bail orders be approached with the utmost caution. Legal experts anticipate that this ruling will guide courts in maintaining a balance between upholding justice and protecting individual freedoms.
The Supreme Court’s decision reinforces the sanctity of bail orders and ensures that the liberty of individuals granted bail is not unduly compromised.