<h2>Supreme Court Verdict on Default Bail</h2>
<p>The <span class="key-term" data-definition="Supreme Court of India — apex judicial body that interprets the Constitution and settles disputes involving the Union, states and public authorities (GS2: Polity)">Supreme Court</span> has held that an accused acquires an indefeasible right to bail under <span class="key-term" data-definition="Section 167(2) CrPC — provision that allows a person in judicial custody to obtain bail if the investigation agency fails to file a charge‑sheet within the statutory period (GS2: Polity)">Section 167(2) CrPC</span> when the investigating agency does not file the charge‑sheet within the prescribed time and any extension is granted without observing mandatory procedural safeguards.</p>
<h3>Key Developments</h3>
<ul>
<li>Case involved a charge under the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) — anti‑terror law that criminalises unlawful activities threatening the sovereignty and integrity of India (GS2: Polity)">UAPA</span>; the accused was denied default bail after a 25‑day extension was granted without a hearing.</li>
<li>The investigation agency sought the extension on <strong>2 February 2024</strong> under Section 43‑D(2) of the UAPA; the Special Judge approved it mechanically.</li>
<li>The accused applied for default bail on <strong>8 February 2024</strong> after the original 90‑day period lapsed.</li>
<li>Charge‑sheet was finally filed on <strong>2 May 2024</strong> after multiple extensions.</li>
<li>The Jharkhand High Court dismissed the bail plea, holding that the extended period nullified the right.</li>
<li>The Supreme Court set aside the High Court order, declaring the extension illegal and affirming the accused’s right to bail.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Important Facts</h3>
<p>The Special Judge’s order extending the investigation period was found to be "grossly illegal, arbitrary and violative of the fundamental right of liberty" because the accused was neither produced nor given an opportunity to oppose the extension. The Court emphasized that any extension must be preceded by a "due application of mind" and must record justifiable reasons. Consequently, the accused’s right to default bail crystallised on filing the bail application under Section 167(2) CrPC, and the Court directed his release on bail.</p>
<h3>UPSC Relevance</h3>
<p>• <span class="key-term" data-definition="Article 21 — constitutional guarantee of protection of life and personal liberty, subject to due process of law (GS1: Constitution)">Article 21</span> was invoked to underscore the violation of personal liberty when procedural safeguards are ignored.<br>
• The judgment clarifies the procedural safeguards required under criminal law, a frequent topic in GS2 (Polity) and GS3 (Law).<br>
• Understanding the interplay between statutory time limits, judicial discretion, and fundamental rights is essential for answering questions on criminal justice reforms and
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