The
Supreme Court on Monday set a time period of one year for lower courts
to complete trial in criminal cases involving
sitting MPs and MLAs.
The apex court said all such proceedings involving
lawmakers must be conducted on a day-to-day basis. In order to expedite
proceedings against lawmakers who continue to enjoy membership of legislative
body during the pendency of case, a bench headed by Justice R M Lodha also said that lower courts will have to give
explanation to the Chief Justice of the respective high court if the trial is
not completed within a year.
The
bench at one point during the hearing had expressed desire for fixing the
period to six months but finally it went by the recommendation of the Law
Commission which suggested for one year. "We direct in cases of sitting MPs and
MLAs who have charged for offences under Sections 8(1), 8(2), 8(3)of
Representation of People's Act, the trial is to be conducted as expeditiously
as possible but not later than one year from the date of framing of
charges," the bench said.