AKHATARI BI vs STATE OF M.P.

The Supreme Court emphasized that the right to speedy justice is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution, and prolonged delays in criminal appeals can justify a bail application. The Court noted that the appellant's appeal from 1997 had not been heard due to backlog in the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which violates the accused's rights. The Court directed that High Courts must take necessary steps to ensure timely disposal of criminal appeals, particularly for those in custody, and highlighted the need for filling judicial vacancies to alleviate delays.