New Delhi: The Supreme Court today reserved its orders on a petition that sought banning politicians for life from forming a party or holding an office in a party if they have been convicted for a crime.
In an earlier hearing, the Amicus Curie had presented data on the pendency of criminal cases against the MPs /MLAs which included sitting as well as former leaders. Total 4,442 cases are pending according to that report which was prepared by all the High Courts. Today the court was informed that it has increased to more than 4600 at least.
Among various reasons highlighted by the amicus curiae Vijay Hansaria for the pendency of cases, some included not serving of summons or executing warrants(cases before CBI and ED), witnesses not turning up etc.
Hansaria suggested that a particular officer needs to be appointed who must be responsible for witnesses to come and serving the summons as it is one of the big issues when it comes to MP MLA cases. For witnesses, protection rooms in the court complex were also suggested which can be paid by the central government. The centre and the court both agreed that witnesses do not travel to the remote areas which are an issue. Centre said that there must be time-bound disposal of the cases.
Amicus said that certain nature of cases shall be taken up on priority basis like the ones where the punishment is of a life sentence, imprisonment of more than 7 years, matters under PMLA and PC act etc.
Further, he suggested setting up of one court at the district level. He also asked SC to allow him to submit more details regarding stages of all the pending cases.
Court ordered that they will pass orders based on Amicus's suggestions and the High Courts. The court directed the Chief Justices of the HCs to submit a blueprint on an action plan for disposing of the cases.
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