NIMEON SANGMA & ORS. vs HOME SECRETARY, GOVT. OF MEGHALAYA & ORS

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of illegal detention under the guise of judicial process, emphasizing the need for expeditious trials as mandated by Sections 167, 209, and 309 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The Court ordered the release of petitioners who had been in custody for over six months without trial, except in serious cases under Sections 302 and 395 IPC. The Court expressed strong disapproval of the delays in investigations and the resultant violation of Article 21, highlighting the breakdown of criminal justice due to prolonged detentions.