Supreme Court Criticizes Uttar Pradesh Jail Over Delayed Bail Release

The Supreme Court of India sharply rebuked the Uttar Pradesh jail authorities on Wednesday for delaying the release of an accused who was granted bail by the apex court on April 29. The delay pertained to a case under the state's anti-conversion law.

A bench consisting of Justices K V Viswanathan and N Kotiswar Singh directed the Uttar Pradesh government to provide an ad hoc compensation of Rs five lakh to the accused, who was eventually released on June 24 from Ghaziabad district jail. The court demanded measures to ensure officers are sensitized about the liberty assured under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The state's counsel informed that the accused had been freed and that an inquiry was underway to ascertain the reasons for the delay. The Supreme Court insisted that the inquiry be conducted by the principal district and sessions judge of Ghaziabad, with a report to follow.

(With inputs from agencies.)