HC Urges Swift Action on Anticipatory Bail Pleas

The Bombay High Court emphasized the need for lower courts to expediently handle anticipatory bail applications, particularly in cases involving citizen liberty. Justice Sandeep Marne expressed dissatisfaction with the Kalyan sessions court for delaying a bail plea by Waman Mhatre, accused of derogatory remarks against a journalist.

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday stressed the urgency of lower courts deciding anticipatory bail applications swiftly, especially when a citizen's liberty is at stake.

Justice Sandeep Marne voiced displeasure with a Kalyan court for delays in hearing local Shiv Sena leader Waman Mhatre's pre-arrest bail plea. Mhatre is accused of making derogatory remarks against a journalist during protests over sexual abuse allegations.

Marne directed the Kalyan sessions judge to decide Mhatre's plea on August 29 and report the status to the high court registry. He noted that such delays burden the high court and stressed that interim protection should be considered promptly.

(With inputs from agencies.)