Sc Refers Jmm Bribery Case To Constitution Bench

The Supreme Court yesterday referred the controversial Jhar-khand Mukti Morcha (JMM) bribery case involving former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, for decision to a constitution bench.

The court, however, declined to stay the trial of Narasimha Rao and the other accused.

The reference was made by a three-judge bench comprising justices MK Mukherjee, SP Kurdukar and KT Thomas after hearing detailed arguments stretching over two weeks.

The constitution bench will decide whether or not members of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies are public servants under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The constitution bench will be called upon to interpret article 105 of the Constitution which grants immunity to members of parliament in respect of their conduct inside the House including the right to exercise their vote.