Former CJI Chandrachud Advocates Bail Rights Amid Political Case Delays

Former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud stated at the Jaipur Literature Festival that bail should be the rule when expeditious trials are not possible, emphasizing that pretrial detention should not serve as punishment. The Congress criticized Chandrachud for not acting on this principle during his tenure, citing delays in Umar Khalid's bail plea. The BJP defended the judiciary against these attacks. Meanwhile, the Awami Ittehad Party welcomed Chandrachud's remarks, urging the release of political prisoners like Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, highlighting concerns over prolonged detentions under laws like UAPA.