54,677 get bail through virtual hearing in 40 days

Lower courts across the country granted bail to 54,677 accused after holding hearings on their pleas virtually in last 40 working days.

Supreme Court spokesperson and High Court division special officer Md Saifur Rahman told news agency BSS that the apex court on 10 May directed the lower courts concerned to hold hearing only on bail petitions virtually in line with the special practice direction issued by the SC amid this current pandemic situation.

“As per the apex court’s direction, the lower courts across the country have disposed of 107,037 bail pleas in last 40 working days from 11 May to 9 July and granted bail to 54,677 accused,” Rahman said.

Of these, 11,514 bail pleas were disposed of from 5 July to July 9 and 4,915 accused were allowed bail during this time.

“From 5 July to 9 July period, chief judicial magistrate and chief metropolitan magistrate courts across the country disposed of 6,588 pleas regarding surrendering before the court and allowed bails to 23,396 accused,” Md Saifur Rahman added.

The Supreme Court earlier issued 21 special practice directions for lower courts to hold trials virtually. The apex court also issued virtual courtroom usage manual for lawyers.