SC demands Centre's response in 2 weeks on plea seeking speedy MP/MLA trials

The bench led by Justice NV Ramana was hearing a petition filed by Advocate and BJP member Ashwini Upadhyay who had sought setting up of special courts for speedy trials of criminal cases against the MPs and MLAs so that they can be disposed of expeditiously.

New Delhi:The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Centre to file an affidavit on plea seeking expeditious trials on Members of Parliament (MP)s and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) within two weeks emphasising that it won't be given any more time to file the same.

The bench led by Justice NV Ramana was hearing a petition filed by Advocate and BJP member Ashwini Upadhyay who had sought setting up of special courts for speedy trials of criminal cases against the MPs and MLAs so that they can be disposed of expeditiously.

Earlier the court had asked the High Court to furnish details regarding the pending criminal cases against the sitting and former legislators. Amicus curie had submitted two reports on all the details in earlier hearings.

Today Amicus curie, Vijay Hansaria, submitted before the court that judicial officers nominated for the trials must continue for 2 years at least as delay is caused due to absence of prosecution.

Hansaria added that the state government can appoint nodal prosecution officers for which the High Courts have no problem.

Further he argued that cases which are against the sitting MPs, MLAs shall be prioritised over the cases against former legislators as the sitting ones should not be making laws for people when they are themselves accused.

Court said that they will be passing orders for fast trial of cases. Amicus submitted that funding for video conferencing rooms and witness examination is also an issue which the centre shall take care of in the first instance and then adjust accordingly.

Court asked the centre to file a response on all the aspects argued within two weeks and adjourned the matter.

Today SG Tushar Mehta was busy in another case and so no submissions could be made from the centre's side.