Former CJI Chandrachud said on Umar Khalid case – Accused has the right to get bail until the crime is proven.

Jaipur, 18 January. Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud on Sunday said that pre-conviction bail should be the right of every accused. Justice Chandrachud said this in response to a question by senior journalist Veer Sanghvi at the Jaipur Literature Festival, in which the Supreme Court’s rejection of bail to Omar Khalid in the Delhi riots conspiracy case was discussed.

The former CJI said that the basis of Indian law is the presumption of innocence. If a person remains in jail for five or seven years and is later acquitted, the lost years cannot be compensated. Bail can be withheld only when the accused is likely to repeat the crime, tamper with evidence or take advantage of bail to evade the law.

‘People remain in jail for many years’

Justice Chandrachud said that where there is a national security issue, the court should investigate the case thoroughly. Otherwise people remain in jail for many years. He termed the rejection of bail cases by the District and Sessions Court as a matter of concern and said that this is the reason why these cases reach the Supreme Court.

Delay in justice system is a big problem

The former CJI said that delay in disposal of cases is a major problem in the Indian criminal justice system. If the judicial process is being delayed then the accused should be granted bail. He mentioned many important decisions during his tenure, such as permanent commission to women in the armed forces, decriminalization of homosexuality and cancellation of the electoral bond scheme.

Emphasis on transparency and reform in judiciary

Justice Chandrachud suggested that eminent persons from civil society should also be included in the appointment of judges in the High Courts and the Supreme Court, so that transparency in the judiciary is increased and public confidence is strengthened.

enjoying personal life after retirement

He said that after retirement he is enjoying personal life and does not accept any post. He said that even today marital rape is not included as a crime, which needs to be reformed.

The former CJI said that during his tenure, he started live telecast of Supreme Court proceedings, which is available not only in Hindi but also in all the Indian languages ​​listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.