High Court Slams Bias Against Slum Dwellers in Bail Hearings
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on July 31, 2025, issued a strong rebuke against the practice of denying bail based solely on a defendant’s residence in a slum. The court deemed this practice unconstitutional.
The judges underscored that poverty and challenging family circumstances should not be factors influencing bail decisions. Such considerations, they argued, introduce unfair prejudice.
The ruling highlights a critical need for greater empathy and fairness within the justice system, especially when dealing with marginalized communities and children. The court’s decision serves as a significant step towards ensuring equitable access to justice for all.
This landmark judgment carries profound implications for the administration of justice in the region, potentially prompting a review of bail procedures and a greater focus on individual circumstances rather than socio-economic background. It is a crucial step in addressing systemic biases that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
