Notice to Centre on MPs facing criminal charges

While issuing the notice, the Supreme Court observed that all states had fast track courts and asked why these cases were not being given priority.

The Supreme Court on Friday sought response from the Centre and the states on a plea seeking fast track court proceedings in criminal cases pending against Members of Parliament, saying it is "very disturbing" that 162 lawmakers are facing various criminal charges.

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A bench headed by Justice P Sathasivam said the matter required consideration and issued notices to the Centre and the state governments asking them to file their responses within a month.

The court passed the order on a PIL by former chief election commissioner JM Lyngdoh pleading that the cases pending against MPs should be referred to fast track courts for quick disposal.

Senior advocate Rajiv Dhavan, appearing for Lyngdoh, submitted that 162 MPs were involved in various criminal cases and out of them, 76 were facing charges of serious nature and that they must be referred to fast track courts for timely disposal.