SC takes notice of 162 MPs with criminal cases

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The Supreme Court on Friday described as 'very disturbing' the situation for Indian democracy when 162 MPs are facing criminal cases and issued notices to the Centre and states on a PIL by a group of prominent citizens seeking fast-track trials of the cases.

A bench of justices P. Sathasivam and Jasti Chelameswar issued notices on a PIL moved jointly by former CEC J.M. Lyngdoh, former Chief of Air Staff S. Krishnaswamy, former Punjab DGP Julio Ribeiro, former BSF DGP Prakash Singh and other prominent citizens.

The court gave the Centre and states four weeks to submit their responses to the PIL in affidavits.

“All contesting respondents be directed that pending trials of MPs and legislators facing criminal cases may be transferred to fast-track courts/special courts to ensure speedy and time-bound disposal,” said the PIL, presented by advocate Rajiv Dhawan.

Dhawan urged that in cases where investigation is not yet over against MPs and MLAs because of obvious reasons of 'political interference', the probe should be handed over to an independent investigating agency or a special investigating team in order to expedite trial.

While referring to the recommendations of various commissions and committees on politico -criminal nexus, including the N.N. Vora Commission and Malimath Committee reports, the PIL cited the latest figures from Election Commission records about criminal cases against legislators.