In Brief
Aminuddin and another were accused of murder. The High Court granted them bail on the ground that co-accused persons had been granted bail. The Supreme Court set aside these bail orders. The Court held that the High Court failed to give reasoned decisions and granted bail solely on grounds of parity, despite the Supreme Court having previously rejected bail for the co-accused in identical circumstances. The Court emphasised that Article 21 protections must be balanced against public interest in criminal justice for serious offences, and orders must clearly articulate the reasoning. Bail was cancelled with liberty to apply afresh after surrender.
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