PIL challenges notification prescribing rules for bail

A division bench headed by Justice A M Khanwilkar was yesterday hearing the PIL, filed by advocate Anjali Waghmare.

The petition contended that the notification lays down "harsh conditions," and it has made getting bail very difficult.

The High Court had earlier stayed the notification in December 2010.

The notification, issued by the High Court, sought to amend the state's Criminal Manual. But Waghmare contended that the notification affected the rights of the public at large.

One of the conditions, listed by the notification, requires the accused to submit a list of at least three blood relatives with detailed addresses of their residences and places of work, the PIL pointed out, adding that it overlooked a case where the accused may not have any blood relatives.

The court has now asked the petitioner to try and find out how accused have been affected, and get statistics regarding the number of accused who have been affected because of the notification.

However, Waghmare said that it would be tough to get such statistics. "I am planning to file an RTI in this regard but won't get the required information before the next hearing," she said.

The court has adjourned the hearing till January 22.