Regular bail and speedy trial principles led to release after charge framing, recovery, and prolonged custody.

Regular bail was granted where the challan had been filed, charge framed, and recovery of the alleged weapon completed, so further custody was not needed for investigation. The Court also weighed the period of incarceration and the slow pace of trial, applying the principle that bail is the rule and jail is the exception and recognising the Article 21 right to a speedy trial. The petitioner's criminal antecedents were noted, but they were not treated as sufficient, by themselves, to justify continued detention on the facts presented.

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Issues: Whether the petitioner was entitled to regular bail in view of the stage of the trial, the custody already undergone, the recovery of the weapon, and the petitioner's criminal antecedents.

Analysis: The petition was considered on the basis that the challan had already been presented, charge had been framed, recovery of the alleged weapon had been effected, and continued custody was not required for investigation. The length of incarceration was also considered, along with the fact that the trial was progressing slowly. The Court further noted the principle that bail is the rule and jail is the exception, and that the right to speedy trial is protected under Article 21. The petitioner's involvement in other cases was noticed, but it was held that such antecedents could not by themselves justify continued detention in the facts of the case.

Conclusion: Regular bail was granted to the petitioner.

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