**Supreme Court Criticizes Maharashtra Prison Authorities for Non-Production of Under-Trial Prisoner**
The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern regarding the actions of Maharashtra’s prison authorities after it was revealed that an under-trial prisoner was not presented in court on 55 out of 85 scheduled dates over the past four years. Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and PK Mishra addressed this issue while hearing a bail application from Shashi alias Shahi Chikna Vivekanand Jurmani, who is involved in an alleged attempt to murder case. The bench emphasized that the repeated failure to produce the prisoner undermines the right to a speedy trial and essential protections for inmates.
The court has instructed the Director General of Prisons in Maharashtra, or the designated Head of the Department of Prisons, to personally investigate the situation, identify those accountable, and take appropriate action. The justices expressed their shock at the conduct of state authorities, stating, “The production of an accused before the Court is not only to ensure a speedy trial but also serves as a safeguard against potential abuse, allowing the prisoner to voice any grievances directly to the Court. We find this a grave violation of fundamental safeguards, which is both appalling and shocking.”
During the proceedings, Advocate Sana Raees Khan, representing the petitioner, highlighted that out of 85 trial dates in the last four years, the petitioner was absent on 55 occasions. Khan also pointed out discrepancies between initial allegations and later statements, noting that while the FIR claimed the petitioner stabbed the deceased, the victim’s statement indicated he was assaulted with kicks and punches. Furthermore, the post-mortem report indicated that the deceased died from surgical wounds, contradicting the allegations against the petitioner. The state’s counsel did not dispute these claims during the hearing.
After considering the arguments, the court granted bail to the petitioner and warned that any attempts to protect or shield individuals involved in this matter would result in the Director General of Prisons or the Head of the Department being held personally accountable. The court mandated that an inquiry report be submitted within two months and scheduled the next hearing for February 3, 2026.
**FAQ**
**Q: What was the Supreme Court’s main concern regarding the Maharashtra prison authorities?**
A: The Supreme Court was concerned about the repeated non-production of an under-trial prisoner, which undermines the right to a speedy trial and essential safeguards for prisoners.
