Rape accused can’t be kept behind bars indefinitely: Bombay high court

The Bombay High Court’s Nagpur bench granted bail to Dattatray Shejole, accused of kidnapping and raping a seven-year-old, citing delays in trial. Justice Joshi-Phalke emphasized that Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees the right to a speedy trial, irrespective of the crime’s severity. The court noted the government’s failure to advance the trial significantly impacted the accused’s prolonged detention.