In an unexpected turn of events, the Supreme Court has expressed bewilderment over the Patna High Court’s decision to reserve judgment on an anticipatory bail plea for an entire year. The single-judge bench of the High Court initially heard the bail application on 07.04.2022 but only released the decision on 04.04.2023. The delay was attributed to the judge, who, having previously acted as a lawyer in a similar case, recused themselves, leading to the matter being reassigned.
The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices Bela M. Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma, conveyed its surprise at the prolonged pendency of the anticipatory bail petition. The petitioner had sought relief in connection with alleged offenses under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA). Subsequently, another bench, after the initial release, heard and rejected the plea on 19.07.2023, citing Section 45 of the PMLA 2002 as grounds for denial.
In response to the rejection, the petitioner appealed to the Supreme Court, which expressed reservations about granting bail and eventually withdrew the plea. The attention of the Supreme Court was then drawn to the fact that the High Court had reserved judgment on 07.04.2022, releasing it almost a year later on 04.04.2023.
In light of this revelation, the Supreme Court directed the Registrar General of the Patna High Court to provide details of the matter and submit a report by 08.01.2024. The case is now scheduled for the next hearing on 08.01.2024 for compliance purposes.
RAJANTI DEVI @ RAJANTI KUMARI v. THE UNION OF INDIA
