Ex-CJI Chandrachud: Bail Before Conviction Should Be a Right, Cautions on National Security

• Former CJI D.Y. Chandrachud stated that bail before conviction should be a matter of right, based on the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
• He made these remarks at the Jaipur Literature Festival, addressing a question about Umar Khalid's bail refusal in the 2020 Delhi riots case.
• Chandrachud emphasized that bail can be denied only if there's a risk of the accused re-offending, tampering with evidence, or absconding.
• He noted that courts must examine national security cases in depth, but expressed concern over judges' hesitation in granting bail, leading to prolonged imprisonment.
• The former CJI highlighted that delays in speedy trials entitle the accused to bail, stressing the paramountcy of the Constitution.

Why It Matters: Ex-CJI Chandrachud advocates for bail as a right before conviction, with careful consideration for national security cases.