LUCKNOW, Aug. 13 -- The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court has granted bail to two suspected Popular Front of India (PFI) members booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), observing that their prolonged incarceration and the slow pace of trial infringed upon their fundamental right to speedy trial under Article 21 of the Constitution. The court held that prolonged detention, poor progress of the trial, and the absence of a reasonable prospect of its early conclusion can affect an accused's Article 21 right to speedy trial even in cases registered under the UAPA. The division bench of Justice Rajesh Singh Chauhan and Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra passed the order on August 10 on the criminal appeal of Kerala natives Ansad Badruddin and Firoz Khan, who have been in custody since February 17, 2021. The court noted that despite its directions on two occasions to conclude the trial expeditiously, only five of the 18 prosecution witnesses had been cross-examined and there was no reasonable likelihood of the trial ending in the near future. The high court set aside a May 14, 2024, order of the Special NIA Court and ordered the release of both men on bail, subject to conditions. htc...