In a surprising turn of events, the Supreme Court has raised concerns over the nearly year-long delay in the Patna High Court's issuance of judgment on an anticipatory bail plea. The single-judge bench had initially heard the bail application on April 7, 2022, and despite reserving it for orders, the judgment was only released on April 4, 2023.

The delay was attributed to the judge's prior involvement in a bail matter related to the same case, prompting the transfer of the case to another bench for a decision. The petitioner had sought anticipatory bail in connection with offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.

After the judgment was finally delivered, another bench reviewed the case and dismissed the bail plea on July 19, 2023. Subsequently, the petitioner appealed to the Supreme Court, where concerns were raised about the bail grant. Ultimately, the petitioner withdrew the appeal.

However, the Supreme Court observed a significant anomaly in the prolonged duration it took for the High Court to deliver the judgment. In response, the Court directed the Registrar General of the Patna High Court to submit a report with relevant details about the matter before January 8, 2024. The case is slated to be listed for compliance purposes on that date. 

Case: Rajanti Devi @ Rajanti Kumari vs.The Union of India,

SPECIAL LEAVE PETITION (CRIMINAL) Diary No(s). 43646/2023.

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