Weather-Related Delays Do Not Violate Speedy Trial Right: Himachal Pradesh High Court

The Himachal Pradesh High Court held that delays caused by heavy rain and road blockages do not amount to a violation of the right to a speedy trial.

The Court was hearing a bail application in an NDPS case involving a commercial quantity, where multiple witnesses were unable to appear as roads frequently remained blocked.

The Court observed that examining eight witnesses over the course of a year was reasonable in such circumstances and did not reflect any lapse by the prosecution. Concluding that no constitutional breach had occurred, the Court refused to grant bail.

[Man Bahadur Singh v State of Himachal Pradesh]