Courts lenient to MPs

The Supreme Court(SC) has directed the Centre to set-up fast track courts; to deal with criminal cases against the MPs and the MLAs. The perception among the common man is that the Indian courts are too lenient with the erring members of parliament and legislators. Court cases against the high and the mighty have dragged on and on. Overloading of courts and cumbersome procedures are the root causes for our lawmakers to enjoy an extended relief. The hierarchal judiciary has ensured that even if there is conviction of sorts in one court, the cases never end in a logical conclusion because they have to

traverse through higher courts. The correctness of procedures are often used as handy tools for the counsels of the accused to buy time and divert attention. By the time, one lawmaker is finally in or out, the case is forgotten and a fresh one creeps up. Invariably, the acquitted politician will sport a sardonic smile and a I told you so; attitude to cater to his vote bank. The track record of fast track courts elsewhere have not been that impressive. Therefore, for the fast track courts against MPs and MLAs to be effective, they should be armed with all logistics. For a purposeful fast tracking of cases, the courts should be set up soon and rules must be simplified. The inclination of the SC to take-up the cudgels against politicians notwithstanding, for the "special courts" against politicians to serve their intended purpose, the top court may have to monitor them from time-to- time.

— Ganapathi Bhat