The guidelines have been demanded for early disposal of about 5,000 cases pending against the Supreme Court and the existing MPs-MLAs. Senior advocate Vijay Hansaria, who was appointed by the apex court, argued that the hearing of cases against MPs and MLAs is delayed as he has the power to investigate and influence the court. Due to this, pending cases are not being disposed of, which is negatively impacting our democratic structure.
Shocking revelations in ADR report
Hansaria, citing the report of the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), stated that 4,732 criminal cases were pending against MPs and MLAs as of January 1, 2025, in which 892 cases were registered in 2024. He also said that out of the current 543 members of the Lok Sabha, 251 are criminal cases, out of which 170 cases are related to serious offenses, which can be punished five years or more.
Demand for early hearing
Hansariya said that in special courts, the hearing in cases against MPs and MLAs is accompanied by other general cases, causing delays. He also appealed to the apex court that he should be heard every day when the case has been pending for more than three years and non-bailable warrants should be issued against the accused who are not present in the hearing twice.
East guidelines of Supreme Court
In November last year, the Supreme Court issued guidelines for early hearing of criminal cases against MPs and MLAs, asking special courts to prioritize these cases. However, despite these guidelines, there has been no significant progress in the hearing of cases.
This issue is a matter of concern for our democratic structure. It is necessary to ensure early disposal of pending criminal cases to ensure that the law is the same for all, irrespective of their political situation.
