Mlas, Mps Cannot Claim Immunity In Bribe-For-Vote Cases, Says Supreme Court As It Overrules 1998 Narsimha Rao Judgement
(MENAFN- Live Mint) "The members of parliament and state assemblies are not immune from prosecution in bribery cases, the Supreme Court ruled on March 4.
In what is seen as a landmark verdict, the seven-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, also set aside the 1998 judgment popularly known as PV Narasimha Rao judgement.
In 1998, the five-judge constitution bench in the PV Narasimha Rao versus CBI case, had held that lawmakers had immunity under the Constitution against criminal prosecution for any speech made and vote cast inside the House is not protected by parliamentary privileges and the interpretation of the 1998 verdict is contrary to Articles 105 and 194 of the Constitution, the court said.
“In the course of this judgment while analysing majority and minority decision of Narsimha Rao judgment, we disagree and overrule the judgment that parliamentarian can claim immunity... The judgment of the majority in Narsimha Rao which grants immunity to legislators has a grave danger and thus overruled,” the CJI said calling it a unanimous verdict.
Also read: Supreme Court Fears 'Landmines' in Social Media Debate Over Free Speech
As per the SC orders, now an MP or an MLA can't claim immunity from prosecution on a charge of bribery in connection with the vote or speech in the legislative house.“Corruption or bribery by a member of legislature erodes probity in public life,” adding,“Accepting bribes itself constitutes the offence,” ruled the seven-judge bench Apex Court also said that to give any privilege unconnected to the functioning of Parliament or legislature would lead to creating a class that enjoys unchecked exemptions from the operation of law of the land read: Supreme Court says electoral bonds 'unconstitutional': Here are 5 reasons why
The seven-judge bench emphasised that parliamentary privileges are essentially related to the House collectively and necessary for its functioning. The Supreme Court noted that corruption and bribery are destructive of the aspirations and deliberative ideals of the Constitution.“Elections to Rajya Sabha or to the office of the President/Vice President will also come under the ambit of Constitutional provisions applicable to parliamentary privilege,” the Supreme Court said.
MENAFN04032024007365015876ID1107930067
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.