Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The High Court has dismissed the fourth bail plea filed by Gaurav Bidre, the main accused in the 2022 murder of a college professor, holding that there was no merit in the claim that his right to a speedy trial had been violated.
While the defence argued that prolonged incarceration without conclusion of trial entitled the accused to bail, Justice Shreeram Shirsat observed that the trial had begun to progress in a meaningful manner. The Court noted that a structured trial schedule has now been finalised with the consent of all concerned parties, and that four prosecution witnesses have already been examined.
Taking into account the seriousness of the allegations, which include offences of murder and kidnapping, the Court ruled that the case was not fit for the grant of bail at this stage.
However, the High Court directed the trial court to strictly follow the newly fixed timetable and ensure that the trial is completed within the stipulated period, thereby balancing the interests of justice with the accused’s rights.
