New Delhi
The Delhi High Court has directed the city’s police commissioner to promptly verify and return local surety bonds used for releasing prisoners from jail, ideally by the following day. The court expressed concern over unjustified delays in the release of accused individuals, convicts, or undertrial prisoners despite being granted bail, emphasizing the fundamental right to liberty. Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta highlighted that the purpose of bail is defeated if there are significant delays in verifying sureties. Additionally, the court urged the Director General to sensitize jail superintendents about promptly considering bail bonds without unnecessary objections. The decision stemmed from a case where a man, granted interim bail on February 14, remained in custody until early March due to delays in verifying sureties. The court acknowledged logistical challenges but emphasized the importance of timely verification to prevent exploitation of prisoners or sureties. The directive calls for strict adherence to timelines to ensure efficient processing of local surety bonds. The court’s ruling underscores the imperative for the state to facilitate the swift release of individuals granted bail orders, without undue impediments or delays.
