The Supreme Court today directed the Centre to consider framing of a new law to grant bail so as to streamline release of accused in criminal cases.

Issuing a slew of directions, a Bench of Justice S K Kaul and Justice M M Sundresh said that investigating agencies and their officers are duty bound to comply with section Section 41-A of the Criminal Procedure Code (Notice of appearance before police officer).

The Apex Court also directed all High Courts to find undertrial prisoners who are not able to comply with bail conditions and appropriate action be taken to facilitate their release.

It directed all state governments, Union Territories and High Court to file status reports in four months.

The Apex Court's direction came while pronouncing a judgement in a case related to the arrest of a man by the CBI.


With PTI inputs