Former CJI Chandrachud on Umar Khalid: Bail is a Right Unless Specific Risks Exist

• Former CJI D.Y. Chandrachud stated that bail before conviction is a citizen's right, emphasizing the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
• He outlined three conditions for denying bail: risk of committing crimes again, tampering with evidence, or escaping justice.
• Chandrachud stressed that if these three grounds are absent, bail must be granted, even in national security cases, to prevent prolonged incarceration.
• He expressed concern over delays in the Indian criminal justice system and the tendency of lower courts to deny bail due to fear of questioning their integrity.
• The former CJI also suggested including civil society members in the Collegium system to enhance transparency and public trust in judicial appointments.

Why It Matters: Bail is a fundamental right unless specific risks like re-offending or evidence tampering are proven.