Punjab & Haryana HC Takes Suo Moto Action for Swift Disposal of Criminal Cases Against Legislators

The Punjab & Haryana High Court, in response to the Supreme Court's November directives, has initiated suo moto proceedings to oversee the prompt resolution of pending criminal cases involving Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs). A division bench, led by Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Lapita Banerjee, issued notices to Punjab, Haryana, U.T. Chandigarh, the High Court's registrar general, and the Union of India.

The Supreme Court's guidelines emphasize the creation of a suo moto case titled "In Re Designated Courts for MPs/MLAs" by the Chief Justices of respective High Courts to monitor the expeditious disposal of such cases. The Punjab & Haryana High Court's special bench, under the Chief Justice's leadership, is mandated to list the matter regularly and issue necessary orders for swift resolution. The court may call upon legal authorities for assistance.

The Principal District & Sessions Judge holds the responsibility of allocating cases to designated courts, with a focus on prioritizing cases punishable with death or life imprisonment, imprisonment for five years or more, and other cases. The trial court is discouraged from unnecessary adjournments. Cases with stay orders hindering trials will be reviewed, ensuring the commencement of proceedings.

Senior Advocate Rupinder S. Khosla has been appointed Amicus Curiae, and the High Court is set to create a dedicated website tab with district-wise information on pending cases. The Court's proactive stance aligns with the national objective of expediting justice for criminal cases involving legislators, reinforcing the judiciary's commitment to transparency and efficiency.

Author: Anushka Taraniya

News Writer, MIT ADT University