Umar Khalid Denied Bail: Ex-CJI Chandrachud Explains “Bail From A–Z” | SC | JNU

In a sharp exchange on bail jurisprudence, the former Chief Justice of India explained systemic reforms during his tenure, highlighting that over 21,000 bail pleas were cleared in a year. He stressed that bail decisions depend on judicial discretion, trial stage, and societal interest, while noting adjournments often delay relief, as in Umar Khaled’s case. The CJI underlined that the Supreme Court functions as a “polyvocal court,” where outcomes vary across benches, but Article 21 ensures bail cannot be indefinitely denied.