Ex-CJI Chandrachud: Bail Before Conviction Should Be a Right, Not Exception

• Former CJI DY Chandrachud stated that bail before conviction should be a matter of right, emphasizing the presumption of innocence.
• He highlighted concerns over prolonged detention of undertrials like Umar Khalid, whose bail plea was recently denied by the Supreme Court.
• Chandrachud argued that bail should be granted if there's no risk of repeat crime, evidence tampering, or abuse of bail, even in national security cases.
• He stressed the court's duty to thoroughly investigate national security claims and ensure detention proportionality.
• The former CJI criticized delays in trials, which breach the right to a speedy trial, and suggested bail should be the rule if speedy trials are not possible.

Why It Matters: Ex-CJI Chandrachud advocates for bail as a right before conviction, citing presumption of innocence and speedy trial issues.