The three-judge bench of Chief Justice NV Ramana, Justices Surya Kant and Aniruddha Bose noted that courts are granting protection from arrest to accused for long periods like 90 days, though no case for anticipatory bail is made out.
Two men, Achhar Singh and Budhi Singh, had challenged their conviction by the Himachal Pradesh High Court. One had been sentenced to five years rigorous imprisonment and the other to undergo life imprisonment, plus a fine. The High Court had overturned their acquittal by the trial court.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted, “I have a preliminary objection, that one person is in jail and a charge sheet has been filed against him under the UAPA. Eight persons filed for bail and a journalists’ association file a Habeas Corpus petition, which is not maintainable.
While putting emphasis on the significance of appointing the Ad-Hoc Judges, the top court said that the strength of permanent and additional judges can be utilized for current and not so old cases.
Supreme court bench pronounced its verdict on the appeal filed seeking enhancement of compensation and challenging the High Court’s order which had denied the enhancement in the compensation to the family member of the deceased.