Interim bail made absolute with trial-expedition directions after prolonged incarceration and compliance with earlier conditions.

Interim bail was made absolute where the petitioner had remained in incarceration for about seven and a half years and had not breached earlier conditions. The Court noted that coercive steps, including proclamations under Section 82 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, had already been taken against absconding family members. Continued protection was therefore warranted, but subject to conditions to be fixed by the trial court, with liberty to seek cancellation if any condition was violated. The trial court was also directed to expedite completion of the trial.

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Issues: Whether the interim bail granted to the petitioner should be made absolute and the trial directed to be expedited.

Analysis: The petitioner had remained in incarceration for about seven and a half years and had not violated the conditions earlier imposed. The status report also showed that coercive steps had already been taken against the absconding family members, including proclamations under Section 82 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. In these circumstances, continued interim protection was warranted, but subject to conditions to be fixed by the trial court, with liberty to seek cancellation if any condition was breached. The Court also found it appropriate to direct expeditious conclusion of the trial.

Conclusion: The interim bail was made absolute subject to the conditions imposed by the trial court, and the trial court was directed to expedite the trial.

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