The Supreme Court observed that we can appreciate if any of the parties is delaying the bail itself but short of that, we are of the view, that all persons who have completed 10 years of sentence and appeal is not in near proximity of hearing, with no extenuating circumstances, should be enlarged on bail.

The Top Court said that If the convict is in jail and has undergone 40% of the sentence, his case can be taken up by the District Legal Services Authority. The District Legal Services Authority, through a lawyer of sufficient seniority, can counsel the accused that if he is willing to accept his guilt, request can be made to the High Court to reduce the sentence or for releasing the convict on probation of good conduct for the remainder of the sentence. It should be clearly disclosed that the said acceptance of guilt is only for the purposes of closing the matter.