A Delhi court has ordered the immediate release of students arrested in connection with a protest at Jawaharlal Nehru University, making it clear that verification of bail documents is a procedural safeguard and not a ground to prolong custody.
The students had already been granted bail, but their release was delayed due to pending verification of sureties and residential details. Taking exception to this, the court observed that such administrative formalities cannot override the fundamental right to personal liberty. It stressed that once a competent court grants bail, continued detention on account of incomplete paperwork defeats the very purpose of the order.
The magistrate underscored that verification processes are meant to ensure compliance with bail conditions, not to function as an indirect punishment. The court cautioned that allowing procedural delays to keep individuals behind bars would erode the protection guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Accordingly, the court directed authorities to release the accused students without further delay, while ensuring that necessary conditions are complied with during the course of the proceedings.
The matter arises from a protest on the university campus that led to clashes and subsequent arrests. The case will continue as per law, but the court made it clear that liberty cannot be held hostage to administrative lag.
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