A man complained of “unfair treatment” after spending 20 years out on bail in a murder case, saying the lawyer who fought to reduce his life imprisonment to a five-year prison term was appointed by the Jharkhand High Court as amicus curiae behind his back.
A Bench headed by Justice Dipankar Datta, while sending the man’s appeal for a fresh hearing before the High Court, has said, in a recent judgment, that the case reminded them of the expression “give him an inch and he will ask for a mile”.
The man in question was sentenced to life imprisonment in the murder case by a trial court in November 2002. He appealed the decision in the Jharkhand High Court. His sentence was suspended during the pendency of the bail and he was subsequently granted bail.
For 20 years, the convict did not bother to follow up on his appeal as he enjoyed bail. His appeal was listed for hearing for two decades.
Finally, in November 2024, the case came up before a Division Bench of the High Court. However, none appeared for the convict despite the fact that the case was repeatedly called for hearing.
