In Brief
In this case, a petitioner charged in a mob violence matter arising from a 'jat agitation' had been in custody since April 2016 with investigation pending with CBI for over 18 months. The Court held that speedy investigation is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution, and no investigating agency can unduly delay completion of investigations. While not prescribing a fixed time limit, the Court stressed the need for timelines and in-house oversight mechanisms in investigating agencies to prevent delays. The Court directed the Government to establish such mechanisms and report on pending investigations beyond one year."
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