Ex-CJI Chandrachud: Bail Before Conviction a Right, But National Security Cases Need Scrutiny

• Former CJI DY Chandrachud stated that bail before conviction should be a right, aligning with the presumption of innocence.
• He emphasized that courts must thoroughly examine cases involving national security, even while upholding bail as a right.
• The remarks were made at the Jaipur Literature Festival, addressing the Supreme Court's denial of bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the Delhi riots case.
• Chandrachud highlighted concerns over judges denying bail due to fear of integrity questioning, leading to cases reaching the Supreme Court.
• He stressed that delays in speedy trials entitle the accused to bail, reinforcing the Constitution's supremacy.

Why It Matters: Ex-CJI Chandrachud advocates for bail as a right, but stresses deep judicial scrutiny in national security cases.