India, May 12 -- The Supreme Court on Monday suggested that all high courts prescribe outer timelines for disposal of bail pleas, laying down an extensive set of recommendations aimed at ensuring expeditious hearings in matters involving personal liberty while balancing the rights of victims and the interests of investigation.

A bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and justice Joymalya Bagchi clarified that the measures suggested by it were intended to serve as institutional guidelines for high courts to evolve their own mechanisms, keeping in view local requirements and the overarching constitutional imperative of protecting liberty while balancing victims' rights.

Hearing a matter concerning delays in disposal of bail pleas befo...