How many courts have been set up to hear cases against MPs, MLAs with pending criminal cases: SC
New Delhi, Aug 21: The Supreme Court has sought to know the number of special courts set up to deal with criminal cases involving MPs and MLAs.
The court has asked the Centre to file a categorical affidavit to this effect. The court also sought to know the details, types of such courts and also the plans to set up more such courts. The affidavit will examined by the Supreme Court, next Tuesday.
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Earlier the SC had said, "can we direct the Election Commission that if charges are framed against a person, he or she should not be given ticket to contest polls? Can we make such kind of orders? Or should we suggest the legislators to make a law in this regard as political parties are giving tickets to criminals," the Bench asked the Centre.
The court further asked how a politician charged with murder would uphold the Constitution. The observations were made while hearing a petition which seeks to disqualify politicians under the Representation of Peoples Act against whom charges have been framed by the trial court in heinous offences.
The Bench headed by Chief Justice of India, Dipak Misra asked if a person charged with a heinous offence will uphold the Constitution as per his oath of affirmation to be a legislator under the Third Schedule.
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Attorney General, K K Venugopal responded by saying that a person is presumed innocent until found guilty. There is nothing wrong in taking oath until proven guilty, he also said.
The court however pointed out to the petitioner that there is a 'Lakshmanrekha' here. We only declare the law, the legislature makes the law, the court further said.