SC tells Centre to allocate funds to set up spl courts to deal with criminal cases against politicians | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

SC tells Centre to allocate funds to set up spl courts to deal with criminal cases against politicians

Press Trust of India, New Delhi | By
Dec 14, 2017 03:31 PM IST

The Supreme Court said the state governments should consult respective high courts to ensure that the special courts are functional by March 1, 2018.

The Supreme Court directed the Centre on Thursday to proportionally allocate Rs 7.8 crore, earmarked for setting up of 12 special courts to deal with cases involving politicians, to the concerned states.

A Supreme Court bench said the main issue relating to life ban on convicted politicians would be heard in March.(HT File Photo)
A Supreme Court bench said the main issue relating to life ban on convicted politicians would be heard in March.(HT File Photo)

The apex court said the governments of states where the special courts are to be set up will constitute these courts in consultation with the respective high courts so as to ensure that they are functional by March 1, 2018.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

A bench comprising Justices Ranjan Gogoi and Navin Sinha also granted two months to the Centre to collect and collate data of cases involving lawmakers pending across the country.

The bench said the main issue relating to life ban on convicted politicians would be heard in March.

The apex court listed the matter for further hearing on March 7. The court was earlier informed by the Centre that at least 12 special courts would be set up to decide cases involving politicians as accused. The Centre had sought more time to collect and collate data of pending cases against lawmakers across the country.

The apex court had on November 1 directed the Centre to place before it details regarding 1,581 cases involving MPs and MLAs, as declared by the politicians at the time of filing their nominations during the 2014 general elections.

It had asked the government to apprise it of how many among these 1,581 cases have been disposed of within a year and how many have ended either in conviction or acquittal.

The top court was hearing petitions seeking to declare the provisions of the Representation of People Act, which bar convicted politician from contesting elections for six years after serving jail term, as ultra vires of the Constitution.

Unveiling 'Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On