Instructions Issued Against Giving Long Dates In Bail Matters, 2 Benches Formed To Hear Bail Pleas: Gujarat HC CJ Sunita Agarwal

Chief Justice added that a new roaster has been issued and two benches would be hearing only bail matters starting October 5.

The decision was communicated to the bar members orally by the Chief Justice earlier today during an exchange with Senior Advocate Yatin Oza who mentioned a case before the Court wherein he was given a 1-month long date.

“We are doing away with this practice in HC (of issuing rule nisi in bail matters and posting those cases for hearing several weeks thereafter) I am in the process. A new roster is coming up, that has been notified and now, two benches will be hearing bail matters from October 5.

She added that she was shocked when she came to know about this practice and now, a decision has been taken in the interest of the institution.

“Now, in bail matters, longer dates are not being given in bail matters, that instruction is already given. Within a period of one month things would be streamlined, I hope so. We would need the cooperation of the lawyers as well and the office of PP [Public Prosecutor] also,” Justice Agarwal further said.

It may be noted that last week, the Chief Justice had orally remarked that she is working out to end the practice in question. in HC of issuing rule nisi in bail matters and posting those cases for hearing 2-3 weeks thereafter.

“We are working out, don’t worry. I have fixed a meeting on October 3 with the Public Prosecutor and the Advocate General and we are working out that this practice is done away with…I am taking the issue very seriously,” Chief Justice Agarwal had stated.