Right to Appeal Against Conviction Is a Fundamental Right: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court ruled that the right to appeal under Section 374 of the Cr.P.C. is a statutory and fundamental right under Article 21, safeguarding individual liberty.

The bench criticized the Madhya Pradesh High Court for dismissing an appeal due to a 1637-day delay without examining the reasons.

The Appellant cited financial constraints and employment as causes for the delay. The Court held that appeals cannot be dismissed solely on technicalities, condoned the delay, and directed the High Court to decide the appeal on merits.