In a significant legal pronouncement, the Supreme Court, in the case titled “Satendra Babu vs. State of Uttar Pradesh” (Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (SC) 766), has unequivocally reaffirmed a fundamental principle of criminal justice. The Court ruled that it is the responsibility of the police to ensure the timely production of imprisoned accused individuals before the trial court, and the accused cannot be held accountable for any lapses or negligence on the part of law enforcement agencies in fulfilling this duty. This ruling not only underscores the importance of due process and the rights of the accused but also places the onus squarely on the police to uphold these principles and ensure that accused individuals are brought before the court as mandated by law.
