Urges immediate release for MP Er Rashid
SRINAGAR: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) has welcomed the significant observations and directions passed by the Supreme Court of India regarding timely disposal of bail applications, terming the verdict a major breather and a ray of hope for thousands of undertrial prisoners, including hundreds Kashmiri detainees lodged in different jails across the country.
AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi, in a statement issued here, said the Supreme Court has once again upheld the spirit of justice and constitutional morality by emphasizing that timely consideration of bail is directly linked to the protection of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution.
He praised the Bench headed by the Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi for taking serious note of unnecessary delays in hearing bail applications and for directing High Courts to evolve mechanisms for speedy disposal of such cases.
“Countless families in Jammu & Kashmir have suffered silently for years as their loved ones remain behind bars for prolonged periods while their bail pleas face repeated delays. The Supreme Court’s observations have rekindled hope among such families who have been waiting for justice with patience and pain,” Inam said.
He particularly urged the judiciary and investigating agencies to ensure that Member of Parliament from North Kashmir, Engineer Rashid, also receives justice without further delay. “Er Rashid has already spent more than six years in incarceration and deserves a fair, humane and expeditious consideration of his legal rights in light of the Supreme Court’s latest directions,” he said.
The AIP Chief Spokesperson expressed hope that all High Courts, State governments and investigating agencies will sincerely implement the Supreme Court’s directions in letter and spirit so that justice is not denied through delay. “Judiciary remains the last hope for common people and today’s intervention by the apex court has strengthened public faith in the justice delivery system,” he said.