Srinagar, July 10 -- After spending nearly 14 years in custody awaiting conclusion of his trial, a religious cleric (Imam) accused of murdering a man in 2012 over an allegedly love affair involving a young woman, has been granted bail by the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

The High Court held that the prolonged delay in the trial, largely attributable to the prosecution, violated the accused's fundamental right to a speedy trial, while clarifying that the criminal case against him will continue.

Justice Sanjay Dhar passed the order while allowing the bail application of Muneer Aziz War (Imam), who is facing trial in FIR No. 59/2012 registered at Police Station Batamaloo under Sections 302 and 201 of the Ranbir Penal Code.

The...