In Brief
The State challenged a High Court order that, after granting bail to an accused, constituted a committee to examine criminal justice system reforms and directed the state to furnish detailed data on cases, convictions, and acquittals across districts. The Supreme Court held that the High Court's jurisdiction under Section 439 of the Criminal Procedure Code ends once a bail application is decided. The Court cannot retain the file and issue directions or orders beyond the scope of the bail matter, even if intended to improve the system. Such conduct converts a bail adjudication into a quasi-trial and constitutes grave illegality. The appeal was allowed and the High Court's order set aside.
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