India, Feb. 17 -- The Bombay High Court on Friday granted bail to an accused who had spent over nine years in jail as an undertrial prisoner, citing the detrimental impact of prolonged incarceration. The court emphasised that denying bail should not serve as a punishment for past conduct, whether or not the accused has been convicted.

"It would be improper for any court to refuse bail as a mark of disapproval of former conduct, whether the accused has been convicted for it or not, or to refuse bail to an unconvicted person merely to give him a taste of imprisonment as a lesson," the court stated.

The court also highlighted the severe psychological and social consequences of prolonged incarceration. "Long incarceration can lead to post-i...