Trial of lawmakers to conclude within a year: India’s apex Court
New Delhi, 11 March 2014: The Supreme Court of India on Monday directed that the
trial in all the criminal offences involving sitting members of parliament and legislatures
should be concluded within one year by holding it on a day to day basis.
The
apex court bench headed by Justice R.M. Lodha said the offences for which trial has
to conclude within one year are those mentioned under Sections 8 (1), 8 (2) and 8
(3) of the Representation of People Act.
The court said in the cases where
the trial could not be concluded due to special, extraordinary circumstances, it will
be communicated to the chief justice of the high court concerned with reasons. The
chief justice in turn will issue appropriate directions, extending time.
The
court direction came on a petition by Public Interest Foundation which sought to decriminalise
the electoral politics in the country.Source: IANS