Supreme Court Slams Maharashtra Authorities for Failing to Produce Undertrial on 55 Court Dates
Apex Court calls lapse a violation of fundamental rights and speedy trial safeguards
Orders inquiry against prison officials, grants bail to accused after four years in custody
By Our Legal Correspondent
New Delhi: December 04, 2025:
In a scathing observation, the Supreme Court of India has criticised the Maharashtra prison authorities for failing to produce an undertrial prisoner before the trial court on 55 occasions out of 85 scheduled hearings. The Court described the lapse as a serious violation of fundamental safeguards guaranteed under the Constitution.
The bench of Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra granted bail to the accused, who had been in custody for more than four years, and directed the Director General of Prisons, Maharashtra to conduct a personal inquiry and fix responsibility on the officers concerned.
The Case in Detail
- Accused: Shashi Jurmani, arrested in 2021 in an attempt-to-murder case registered at Ulhasnagar.
- Custody: Over four years in jail without regular production before court.
- Violation: Not produced on 55 out of 85 trial dates, amounting to nearly 65% of hearings.
- Supreme Court’s action: Granted bail, ordered inquiry, and censured prison authorities.
The Court noted that producing an accused before the court is not only about ensuring a speedy trial but also a safeguard against abuse in custody.
Supreme Court’s Observations
- Fundamental safeguard: Production of undertrials ensures they can air grievances directly before the judge.
- Grave infraction: Failure to produce the accused repeatedly amounts to denial of justice.
- Accountability: Directed the Director General of Prisons to investigate and take disciplinary action.
- Human rights concern: The Court stressed that prolonged custody without proper trial violates Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty).
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Why This Matters
- Speedy trial rights: The Constitution guarantees that no person should be held indefinitely without trial.
- Judicial oversight: Regular production ensures transparency and prevents custodial abuse.
- Systemic failure: The case exposes lapse in prison administration and coordination with courts.
- Public trust: Such failures erode confidence in the justice system.
Broader Context
India has over 5.5 lakh prisoners, with nearly 70% being undertrials. Delays in producing accused before courts contribute to prolonged incarceration and overcrowding in prisons.
Past reports by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and Law Commission of India have highlighted systemic issues:
- Shortage of prison staff.
- Poor coordination between police, prisons, and judiciary.
- Lack of accountability in custodial management.
Expert Reactions
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- Legal experts say the ruling reinforces the importance of speedy trial as a fundamental right.
- Human rights activists argue that undertrial prisoners often suffer due to bureaucratic negligence.
- Judicial commentators believe the case will push authorities to strengthen monitoring mechanisms.
Implications of the Ruling
- For prison authorities: Stronger accountability and possible disciplinary action against negligent officers.
- For judiciary: Reinforces the need for trial courts to monitor production of accused.
- For accused persons: Sets a precedent that prolonged custody without trial can be challenged.
- For policy makers: Highlights the urgent need for prison reforms and better coordination.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s censure of Maharashtra prison authorities is a landmark reminder that justice delayed is justice denied. By granting bail and ordering an inquiry, the Court has upheld the principle that undertrials must be treated with dignity and fairness.
This ruling is expected to influence prison administration across India, ensuring that accused persons are produced regularly before courts and that their fundamental rights are protected.
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