Legal News of the Day.

SC asks High Courts to review Criminal Cases against MPs, MLAs

The SC has passed a slew of directions to the Chief Justice of every HC in

order to ensure expeditious disposal of pending criminal cases against the

sitting/ former legislators (MPs and MLAs).

Over 4,400 criminal trials have been held up, some for decades, because

the powerful MPs and MLAs had approached the HC and got an interim

stay.

These are the 413 cases related to offences punishable with life

imprisonment. Of which 174 cases involve sitting legislators. A total of 175

cases are pending under the Prevention of Corruption Act and 14 under

Prevention Money Laundering Act.

There should not be any unnecessary adjournments. The court should hear

matters on a day-to-day basis.

The COVID 19 should not be used as an excuse to not follow the

directions, adding that matters can be heard via video conferencing.