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.