SC asks high courts to set up special bench to monitor criminal trials against lawmakers

New Delhi: In a significant verdict, the Supreme Court Thursday directed all high courts to set up a special bench and register a suo motu case to monitor criminal matters pending against MPs and MLAs to ensure their early disposal.

A bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud issued a slew of directions to high courts and trial courts on a PIL filed by Ashwini Upadhyay seeking early disposal of pending criminal cases against lawmakers.

The top court said it would be difficult for it to give uniform guidelines for trial courts for speedy disposal of cases against lawmakers.

The judgement said the high courts will be setting up a special bench, presided over either by the chief justice, or by a bench designated by the chief justice, to monitor criminal trials against the lawmakers.

The high courts may call upon special lower courts for reports on status of trials against the lawmakers in criminal cases, it said.

"The trial courts shall not adjourn hearing of the cases against the Member of Parliament, MLAs and MLCs except for rare and compelling reasons," it said, The principal district and sessions judges shall ensure sufficient infrastructure, technological facility for designated special courts trying lawmakers, the CJI said while pronouncing the judgement.

The bench was hearing a PIL -- filed through lawyer Ashwani Dubey -- which, besides seeking a life term ban on politicians upon conviction in criminal cases, has sought reliefs like an expeditious trial of accused lawmakers and setting up of special courts for this purpose in the country.