India, Oct. 7 -- Observing that young offenders should be given an opportunity to reform, rehabilitate and earn a livelihood rather than remain in prison and be "exposed to criminal outlook", the Bombay High Court on Monday granted bail to a 20-year-old man accused in a murder case who had spent more than four years in custody without his trial commencing.

A single-judge bench of Justice Milind Jadhav noted that the prosecution had not examined even one witness in the case and that the trial was yet to commence. While the trial would determine whether the accused was involved in the offence, the court said his opportunity for reform and rehabilitation had to be considered, particularly given his age.

"This is a chance required to be tak...