SC Judge Expresses Concern Over Rising Bail Appeals, Calls for Judicial Reform

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 4th March. Supreme Court Justice Bhushan R Gavai on Sunday highlighted a concerning trend: the increasing number of bail pleas being filed in the Supreme Court due to challenges in obtaining bail at lower judicial levels. He was speaking at an event marking the inauguration of a new court building in Pune’s Pimpri Chinchwad.

Justice Gavai emphasized that bail applications were facing hurdles in both district courts and high courts, leading to a surge in such matters being brought before the Supreme Court. He noted that each bench in the apex court now handles 15 to 20 bail cases daily, reflecting the gravity of the situation.

Citing the esteemed legacy of Ramshastri Prabhune, the revered Chief Justice of the Maratha Empire, Justice Gavai questioned the reluctance to grant bail, particularly considering prolonged pre-trial detention periods of up to nine to ten years. He urged a reevaluation of the existing judicial system to address these concerns.

Echoing Justice Gavai’s sentiments, Supreme Court Justice Abhay Oka drew attention to the escalating number of marriage disputes and advocated for an expansion of family courts nationwide. Stressing the need for increased infrastructure to accommodate the rising caseload, Justice Oka underscored the urgency of the situation, particularly in urban areas.

Furthermore, Justice Oka called upon the legal fraternity to prioritize the values enshrined in the Constitution, suggesting a symbolic gesture of beginning work by bowing before a copy of the Constitution. As India commemorates 75 years since adopting its Constitution, Justice Oka emphasized the importance of honoring and upholding its principles.