Uttarakhand High Court takes strict action against MPs and MLAs in criminal cases, seeks response from Dhami government
The Nainital High Court has taken a tough stance on the pending hearings of criminal cases against Uttarakhand’s public representatives. The court clarified that cases involving MPs and MLAs must be heard expeditiously, otherwise public confidence in the justice system could be eroded. Hearing a public interest petition filed by Advocate Vikash Singh Negi, the division bench directed the Dhami government to submit a clear response by September 26.
The Supreme Court ordered the establishment of special courts in 2023
Advocate Vikash Singh Negi, a resident of Dehradun, filed a petition in the High Court demanding the establishment of fast-track courts for the speedy trial of criminal cases against MPs and MLAs. In his argument, he cited the Supreme Court’s order of November 6, 2023, in the Ashwini Upadhyay vs. Union of India case, which directed all states to establish special courts for such cases.
Many cases pending, no action taken
Petitioner Vikash Negi told the court that many criminal cases against MPs and MLAs in Uttarakhand are pending. But so far, the state government has neither complied with the Supreme Court’s orders nor established a fast-track court.
State government seeks time from the court
During the hearing, the state government presented its case and requested time from the court. The Uttarakhand government stated that it needed time to clarify its position on the matter. The court accepted the government’s request and granted one week’s time, setting the next hearing date for September 26.
Criminal cases involving public representatives should be heard expeditiously: Petitioner
Petitioner Advocate Vikas Singh Negi requested the court to direct the state government to establish a fast-track court in compliance with the Supreme Court’s order, so that criminal cases involving public representatives can be heard as quickly as possible and public faith in democracy can be maintained.
