The Supreme Court today overturned a 1998 ruling, stating that lawmakers can be prosecuted for receiving bribes for speeches or votes. CJI DY Chandrachud emphasized that bribery erodes democracy. The decision arose from the Sita Soren v. Union of India case, marking a pivotal shift in lawmakers’ immunity from criminal prosecution for bribery.
PM Modi praised the Supreme Court’s significant decision in the JMM MPs bribery case on Monday, referring to it as a “great judgment.” The Supreme Court, led by CJI, overturned a ruling granting immunity to MPs and MLAs from prosecution in bribery cases for speeches or votes. Prime Minister Modi praised the decision, calling it a “great judgment,” emphasizing the importance of clean politics and public confidence in the system. The ruling promotes transparency and upholds democratic ideals.
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.