SC asks Centre to respond on special courts for lawmakers

The Supreme Court, on Tuesday, sought an affidavit from the Central government to track down the number of special courts that have been set up to deal with criminal cases that involve the lawmakers.

A five-judge constitution bench of the top court, headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, noted a batch of petitions seeking a direction to the Central Government.

The petitions claimed that the persons and especially the Members of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies, charged with cognizable offences, shall be debarred from contesting the elections, at the stage when the charges are framed by the court- provided the offence is punishable by imprisonment of five years or more, and the case is registered six months prior to the election notification.

Appearing for the Union of India, Attorney General KK Venugopal, opposed the PILs.

He stated that no one can be disqualified before his or her conviction and it is the Parliament that amends or makes any law.

The apex court also asked about the details of the case, types of these special courts and the plan to set up more, if any, in future.

The Supreme Court will examine the Center's affidavit on August 28, the next date of hearing in the case.