Union Government rejects SC's suggestion for separate bail law, cites adequacy of BNSS provisions
New Delhi: The Union Government has informed the Supreme Court that there is no intention to introduce a separate law on bail, stating that the provisions under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 are sufficient.
In response to the Supreme Court's inquiry about the potential for a new Bail Act, the government clarified that the BNSS, which replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) on July 1, 2024, includes comprehensive provisions related to bail and bail bonds in Chapter XXXV.
In its affidavit, the Ministry of Home Affairs stated, "As the provisions relating to Bail and Bonds in Chapter-XXXV of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 are considered adequate, there is no proposal to bring a separate law on 'Bail.'"
This response follows the Supreme Court's 2022 ruling in Satender Kumar Antil v. Central Bureau of Investigation, where the Court had suggested the enactment of a dedicated Bail Act to streamline the bail process. The Court had further urged the government to report on the possibility of such a law.
The Court had pointed to the UK's Bail Act, which is a comprehensive law governing bail procedures, and suggested that India should have a similar legal framework. It highlighted the issues of overcrowded prisons, the granting of bail before and after conviction, and the role of both the investigating agency and courts in bail decisions. The Court emphasized the need for a specific bail law, noting that the CrPC was largely based on colonial-era provisions with only modifications made post-independence.
Additionally, the Union Government informed the Court that detailed Guidelines and a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the 'Support to Poor Prisoners' Scheme had been issued to States and Union Territories in June 2023. The government recommended that an Empowered Committee be set up at the district level and an Oversight Committee at the state level for the effective implementation of the scheme.
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Vijay says no to CM convoy until swearing-in: TVK
Chennai (PTI): TVK chief Vijay declined to accept the police convoy vehicles provided to Tamil Nadu chief minister as per protocol until his swearing-in, the party said on Thursday.
A police official confirmed that the CM convoy vehicles provided to him "as per protocol" following the announcement of the Assembly election results were returned and have not been withdrawn.
The official also said that arrangements were in place for the swearing-in ceremony.
The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) clarified that its party founder Vijay had "personally requested that the convoy vehicles be returned". In a statement here, the TVK said: "Vijay conveyed that he would accept the official chief minister-level security only after forming the government with a decisive mandate".
Four convoy vehicles assigned to Vijay on May 4 after his TVK secured 108 seats in the Assembly polls returned from his residence following his request.
Even on May 6, the police had deployed security near his Panaiyur residence and in front of the Lok Bhavan here when Vijay called on Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to stake his claim to form the government. Vijay did not use the government vehicle to meet the Governor.
