SC expresses displeasure over 'agency delays' in cases against lawmakers

The Supreme Court bench led by the Chief Justice of India, NV Ramana, expressed its disappointment with the large number of cases pending against MPs and MLAs in CBI and ED and said that even reasons are not given by the agencies for the delay. The bench comprising of Justice Surya Kant and Justice DY Chandrachud was hearing a plea by BJP member and Advocate Ashwini Upadhyay, seeking expeditious trials against leaders and their debarment from contesting elections.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court bench led by the Chief Justice of India, NV Ramana, expressed its disappointment with the large number of cases pending against MPs and MLAs in CBI and ED and said that even reasons are not given by the agencies for the delay. The bench comprising of Justice Surya Kant and Justice DY Chandrachud was hearing a plea by BJP member and advocate Ashwini Upadhyay, seeking expeditious trials against leaders and their debarment from contesting elections.

Amicus Curie Vijay Hansaria submitted a report in the court saying there is a total of 41 MPs, 71 MLAs and MLCs accused under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. There is a total of 151 cases pending before the Special courts of CBI with 58 cases of life imprisonment. The court pulled up the agencies saying that for 10-20 years even a charge sheet is not filed in cases and there is no reason also cited for delay in disposal of cases.

"We don't want to say anything about agencies as we don't want to demoralise them. Else thus speaks volumes. There are 300 to 400 cases in these CBI courts. How to do all of this? Sorry to say Mr Mehta (Solicitor General Tushar Mehta) the report is inconclusive. There is no reason for not filing charge sheet for 10-15 years. Simply attaching properties does not serve any purpose," said CJI.

Further, he said that it is very easy to say expedite the process of disposal but where are the judges. He said that even agencies have the same issues which judiciary has like the problem of infrastructure and every big case wants to be investigated by CBI. SG Tushar Mehta appearing for the central government said that he agrees there is a large number of cases pending and is not trying to justify it. He suggested setting a timeline for the disposal of cases. The Court said that it will pass orders in the matter later on in its chambers.