In Brief
Shyam Lal had been in custody for over 13 years pending his criminal appeal (filed in 2014). The Supreme Court held that given the substantial period of custody already served and the indefinite wait for appeal hearing, the accused should be released on bail. The Court balanced the delay and custody suffered against the interests of pending appeal disposal. The trial court was ordered to satisfy itself of the bail conditions and was free to impose necessary restrictions on the accused's release.
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