Special Report: Justice Sanjeev Banerjee Questions 'Rule of Bench' After SC Denies Bail to Umar Khalid

A special report examines contrasting Supreme Court bail judgments, raising questions about judicial consistency and personal liberty under Article 21. One bench denied bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in a conspiracy case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Conversely, another bench granted relief to business promoter Arvind Dham in a money laundering case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), citing the right to a speedy trial. Hosted by Preeti Choudhry, a debate explores these divergent outcomes. Former Chief Justice Sanjeev Banerjee observes, "It's not rule of law but its rule of bench," highlighting judicial inconsistency. Senior Advocate Sanjay Hegde argues that "tyranny is the ability to make a harsh law and use it selectively." In defense of the court's discretion, BJP representatives Satyapal Jain and Pinky Anand cite the "seriousness of the role." The program also shifts to Maharashtra, where journalist Sudhir Suryavanshi analyzes the BJP's controversial local alliances with AIMIM and Congress.