Supreme Court has issued directions for speedy disposal of criminal cases against MP/MLAs and mentioned that it would be difficult for it to form a uniform guideline for trial courts relating to speedy disposal of cases against MP/MLAs.
The Apex Court also asked High Courts to register a suo motu case for effective monitoring and disposal of cases involving MPs/MLAs. The judgement said the high courts will be setting up a special bench, presided over either by the chief justice, or by a bench designated by the chief justice, to monitor criminal trials against the lawmakers.
The high courts may call upon special lower courts for reports on status of trials against the lawmakers in criminal cases, it said. “The trial courts shall not adjourn hearing of the cases against the Member of Parliament, MLAs and MLCs except for rare and compelling reasons,” it said.
The bench was hearing a PIL — filed through lawyer Ashwani Dubey — which, besides seeking a life term ban on politicians upon conviction in criminal cases, has sought reliefs like an expeditious trial of accused lawmakers and setting up of special courts for this purpose in the country.
(With PTI Inputs)