In Brief
The Supreme Court set aside a High Court order that, while granting bail, had retained the file to constitute a committee for criminal justice reforms and gave directions on investigation practices. The Court held that a High Court's jurisdiction under Section 439 CrPC (bail) ends once bail is decided. Though the reforms were well-intentioned, the Court cannot retain files or issue directions on investigation methodology or criminal justice policy beyond ensuring due process. The High Court's role is limited to granting or refusing bail; ancillary directions on systemic reforms exceed its statutory authority.
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