GUDIKANTI NARASIMHULU AND ORS. vs PUBLIC PROSECUTOR, HIGH COURT OF ANDHRA PRADESH

The Supreme Court emphasized that the issue of bail is fundamentally linked to personal liberty under Article 21, which can only be curtailed by 'procedure established by law'. The Court established that bail should not be punitive but should consider the interests of justice for both the individual and society. The ruling outlined key considerations for granting bail, including the nature of the charge, the evidence, and the potential risk of the accused absconding. The Court held that conditions may be imposed on bail to protect public interest without infringing on personal liberty.