According to Delhi HC, give hearings against MPs and MLAs top priority for prompt resolution

In order to guarantee the prompt and efficient resolution of criminal charges against members of Parliament and legislative assemblies, the Delhi High Court has instructed its judges to prioritize these matters. A single judge bench of the high court is now considering 34 cases involving MPs and MLAs in which a stay of trial has been imposed and is expected to last longer than six months, according to information provided by the court’s registry.

Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet PS Arora’s bench moved the 34 cases from the single judge in question and instructed the registry to reassign or reassign those cases to other benches or courts as they deemed suitable and efficient for their prompt resolution. This will enable the special courts to hear cases pertaining to stays of execution and conclude their trials on time.

“We direct the registry of this court to circulate this order so that priority is given to all criminal cases, appeals, and revisions pending before them against the members of Parliament and legislative assemblies, as it is essential for expeditious and effective disposal of such cases,” the division bench said in an order on April 2. The order followed the Chief Justice of India’s directives.

When a number of MP/MLA cases were scheduled for hearing before Justice Sharma on Thursday, the court said that it was unable to hear them at this time because the judge had received an order transferring certain matters from this court.

The high court ordered the designated courts to give priority to criminal cases against MPs and MLAs that carry a death or life sentence, followed by cases that carry a five-year or longer sentence, before hearing other cases involving lawmakers that are pending before district courts.