(Image source from: India CSR)

SC Asks Centre To Set Up Special Courts For Speedy Trial Against MPs, MLAs:- On the lines of fast-track courts, the Central government was asked by the Supreme Court, to constitute special courts for expeditious disposal of cases pending against MPs and MLAs.

The government has been given six weeks time, by a bench of Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Navin Sinha, to place before it the scheme for setting up of such courts for trial against lawmakers. The Centre was also asked by the apex court, to inform it about finances involved for setting up special courts for cases against MPs and MLAs.

In around 1,581 cases involving politicians since 2014, the top court also sought the status of the trial and since 2014 how many fresh cases have been filed against politicians and lawmakers in three years. The next date of hearing has been fixed as December 13, by the Supreme Court.

Decriminalization of politics has to be done, told the Centre to the bench, during the hearing. And to deal with cases involving politicians, it was not averse to the setting up of special courts and speedy disposal of these matters. Under the active consideration of the government, favoring lifetime disqualification of politicians convicted in criminal cases, were the recommendations of the Election Commission of India and the Law Commission, informed the Centre to the bench.

A life ban on convicted MPs and MLAs was sought by the Election Commission of India, from contesting elections. It is in favor of barring convicted MLAs, MPs for life, said the ECI to Supreme Court.

Once a legislator is convicted for heinous or moral offences, he is debarred for six years from contesting elections, under the current law. A PIL seeking a lifetime ban on MPs, MLAs from contesting elections was filed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ashwani Upadhyay. The ECI was slammed by the Supreme Court, earlier in July, for not taking a clear stand on a plea seeking to bar of convicted politicians for life.

SUPRAJA