Ex-CJI Chandrachud Advocates Bail as Right with Scrutiny in National Security Cases

Former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud stated at the Jaipur Literature Festival that bail before conviction should be a matter of right, based on the presumption of innocence. He emphasized that bail may only be denied if the accused might reoffend, tamper with evidence, or evade trial. Chandrachud highlighted concerns over prolonged pre-trial detention, citing activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam's ongoing incarceration since 2020 in a Delhi riots case. He stressed courts must scrutinize national security cases carefully and ensure speedy trials to prevent undue imprisonment.