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The Delhi High Court has recently granted interim bail to the 3499 undertrials on the recommendations of the High Powered Committee for a further period of 30 days from the date of respective expiry of their interim bail period of 45 days when it comes to an end.

A Division Bench of Justices Siddharth Mridul and Talwant Singh ordered,

“This Court vide its previous order dated 02.12.2020 had extended the interim bails granted to 3499 Under Trial Prisoners (UTPs) for a period of 45 days, which will come to an end by efflux of time from 02.12.2020 onwards.” the previous order as noted by the HC.

A High Powered Committee (HPC) was constituted by the High Court of Delhi to decongest the jails to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The HPC was of the opinion that, the interim bails so granted needs to be extended for a further period of 30 days. The Court considered that in its meeting held on January 14, 2021.

Taking into the factual matrix of the present case the court observed that on the basis of the orders in Shobha Gupta & Ors., extension to be granted for a further period of 30 days from the date of respective expiry of their interim bail period, on the same terms and conditions.

Director General (Prisons), as well as the State government, did not oppose the extension of interim bails granted to 3499 undertrials and also asked them to ensure that the order is conveyed to all the 3499 undertrial prisoners by telephone, as well as, through all other available modes.

The learned Member Secretary, DSLSA shall coordinate with the Director General (Prisons) in this regard.

Further, the court observed the matter to be listed on 18th February 2021 for hearing.

Access Copy of the Order Here