The Supreme Court agreed to examine Himachal Pradesh’s plea challenging a high court order that stopped the withdrawal of 45 cases against MPs and MLAs. The matter includes cases filed under the previous BJP government against Congress workers for Covid-era rallies.
Today, On 9th September, the Karnataka High Court, under Justice M. Nagaprasanna, ordered an in-camera hearing for the bail plea of former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna in a rape and sexual assault case, to protect the victim’s dignity. The Court also instructed the SIT to submit the chargesheet. The next hearing is scheduled for September 12.
More than 2,000 cases involving Members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Assembly were resolved in 2023, but 4,697 cases remained pending as of January 1, 2024. The need for swift adjudication in light of the upcoming elections, where 18% of candidates face criminal charges, was emphasized. Special courts and High Court oversight are crucial.
The Supreme Court Today overturned immunity for bribery in the case of legislators, emphasizing that corruption undermines the Indian parliamentary democracy. The seven-judge bench’s decision clarified that MPs and MLAs are not protected from prosecution for accepting bribes, reconsidering a 1998 judgement. The scope of legislative privileges under the Constitution is also under review.