Allahabad High Court Warns: Inconsistent Bail Orders Erode Public Trust in Judiciary

The Allahabad High Court has recently highlighted the detrimental effects of inconsistent bail orders on public confidence in the judiciary. In the case of *Abhishek Yadav @ Laloo vs State of UP*, Justice Krishan Pahal underscored the necessity for consistency in judicial proceedings to maintain public trust.

Justice Pahal noted that granting bail to one accused while denying it to another under similar circumstances without clear justification undermines the integrity of the judicial process. He emphasized that inconsistent orders, particularly when they lack specific reasons, can create an impression of partiality or bias. This inconsistency not only impacts the individuals involved but also erodes the public’s perception of the judiciary’s fairness and impartiality.

The Court observed, “When courts grant bail to one accused and deny it to another under similar circumstances without providing clear and reasoned justifications for the disparity, it creates an impression of unpredictability. Such practices can lead to uncertainty and undermine public confidence in the judicial process.”

Justice Pahal further stressed that the principle of equality before the law, enshrined in Article 14 of the Constitution of India, is violated when similarly situated individuals are treated differently. Such discriminatory practices constitute a serious breach of judicial duty and misconduct.

The case in question involved an anticipatory bail application by Abhishek Yadav, who claimed parity with co-accused who had been granted bail. The Court granted anticipatory bail to Yadav, noting that he was not named in the FIR and the evidence against him was similar to that against co-accused who had been granted bail.

The Court also sought an explanation from the trial judge for the inconsistent bail orders, highlighting the need for judicial officers to have a thorough understanding of fair judicial processes and to avoid extraneous considerations in their decisions.

In conclusion, the Allahabad High Court’s remarks emphasize the importance of consistent and transparent judicial orders to uphold public confidence and ensure the integrity of the judicial system.