Speedy trial and freedom are undeniable sacred rights: Supreme Court

New Delhi: The Supreme Court said that speedy trial and freedom after that are sacred rights that cannot be questioned by anyone. A bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan made the remarks while granting bail to Aam Aadmi Party leader and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the Delhi Liquor Policy scam case.

The court said that long periods of imprisonment should not be allowed to become 'punishment without trial' before a person is declared guilty. Sisodia has a positive influence on society, and the court noted that there is no possibility of him leaving the country and not appearing for trial. Appearing for CBI and ED, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju raised concerns about the possibility of tampering with evidence if Sisodia is released on bail. However, the bench observed that the cases against Sisodia depended on documentary evidence already seized, and there was no possibility of the evidence being destroyed.

The bench also pointed out that the concern that the accused might influence witnesses can be addressed by imposing stricter conditions. Raju, after delivering the bench's verdict, sought the same conditions imposed on Sisodia by the Supreme Court while granting interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the money laundering case related to excise policy.

While granting interim bail to Kejriwal on May 10 to campaign for the Lok Sabha elections, the Supreme Court had placed a condition that he should not visit the Chief Minister's office or the Delhi Secretariat.

Justice Gavai said provisions have been made to address the concerns of investigating agencies. When Raju said that he would approach the court to cancel the bail if there was an attempt to destroy the evidence, Justice Gavai clarified that it is always possible.