Javed Gulam Nabi Shaikh vs The State Of Maharashtra

The Supreme Court granted bail to the appellant under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, emphasizing the right to a speedy trial as enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution of India. The Court noted that the appellant had been in custody for over four years without the trial court framing charges, and highlighted that bail should not be denied as a form of punishment. The decision referenced the principle established in Gudikanti Narasimhulu & Ors. v. Public Prosecutor, High Court, reinforcing that bail is meant to ensure attendance at trial, not to punish the accused.