Supreme Court Grants Bail to DHFL Founders in Bank Loan Scam Case
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has granted bail to Kapil and Dheeraj Wadhawan, former promoters of DHFL, involved in a major bank loan scam. The court highlighted the importance of not holding undertrial prisoners indefinitely, reinforcing the fundamental right to life and personal liberty as per Article 21. This ruling underscores the principle that bail should be the standard practice in the legal system, while imprisonment should be the exception. The implications of this decision could resonate throughout the legal landscape, prompting discussions on the treatment of undertrial prisoners in India.
| Dec 17, 2025, 10:12 IST
Supreme Court's Ruling on Bail
The Supreme Court has ruled that an undertrial prisoner should not be held indefinitely, granting bail to Kapil Wadhawan and his brother Dheeraj, former promoters of DHFL, in a case involving a bank loan scam worth millions.
In a decision made on December 11, the bench comprising Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi stated that their prolonged detention without trial violates the fundamental principles outlined in Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.
The court emphasized that under Indian law, 'bail is the norm and imprisonment is the exception,' a principle deeply rooted in criminal jurisprudence.