Supreme Court Affirms Article 21 Rights for Foreigners; Grants Bail Relief to Ugandan National

The Supreme Court has ruled that the right to life and liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution applies to foreign nationals.

A Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan provided relief to a Ugandan woman languishing in Tihar Jail because she could not furnish a solvent surety despite being granted bail in an NDPS case.

The Court held that financial constraints must not obstruct the release of an accused once a case for bail is established.

Consequently, the Court allowed her release on a personal bond of ₹25,000, directing that she be moved to a detention center pending trial.

[The Customs v. Faridah Nakanwagi]