Supreme Court Criticizes UP Jail for Delay in Bail Execution

New Delhi, June 25 (PTI) — The Supreme Court on Wednesday expressed strong disapproval towards the Uttar Pradesh jail authorities over the delay in releasing an accused who was granted bail by the apex court in a case under the state's anti-conversion law on April 29. A bench of Justices K V Viswanathan and N Kotiswar Singh mandated the state government to provide an ad hoc compensation of Rs five lakh to the accused, who was finally released from Ghaziabad district jail on June 24. The bench questioned the Director General of Prisons of Uttar Pradesh on measures being taken to sensitize officers regarding such delays, as he appeared via video-conferencing. "What do you propose to do to sensitise your officers?" the bench inquired. The justices emphasized the fundamental importance of liberty as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. "Liberty is a very valuable and precious right guaranteed under the Constitution," remarked the court. Counsel for Uttar Pradesh informed the bench that the accused had been released on Tuesday, and an investigation is underway to understand the reasons behind the delay. The bench instructed that the inquiry be carried out by the principal district and sessions judge of Ghaziabad, and sought a detailed report. The court previously voiced severe concerns after the accused claimed his bail release was stalled due to a technicality regarding a sub-section of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, that was allegedly not mentioned in the bail order. The bench noted that following the Supreme Court’s bail order on April 29, a trial court in Ghaziabad issued instructions on May 27 for the accused’s release upon the execution of a personal bond, provided there were no orders for him to be detained on other grounds.