Expeditious disposal of cases against MPs, MLAs: Karnataka HC asks State on availability of public prosecutors in Special Court

With a view to monitor the progress of criminal trials against legislators, the Karnataka High Court yesterday asked the state government to furnish information on the availability of public prosecutors and infrastructural facilities at special courts. .Recently, the Court had directed the registration of a suo motu petition, in view of the directions issued by the Supreme Court urging Chief Justices of High Courts to formulate an action plan to expeditiously deal with pending cases against legislators..On Wednesday, a Division Bench of Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka and Justice Ashok S Kinagi directed the Registrar General to place the following on record:.English translation of the Government Order establishing the special court for the expeditious disposal of cases against MPs, MLAs etc. Number of cases pending, at present before the special court. District wise bifurcation of cases shall be submitted.Stages at which cases are pending before the special court.If the cases have been stayed by the High Court, the particulars of such stay orders..Karnataka HC directs registration of suo motu PIL for expeditious disposal of pending criminal cases against MPs, MLAs.The Bench further sought the response of the state government on whether a safe and secure witness examination room with an internet connection could be set up, in line with the September 18 Supreme Court order.."As the present special court is working in the city civil court complex, which is already overcrowded, the state government will consider whether such safe and secure witness examination room can be set up in the vicinity of the city civil court complex."Karnataka High Court.The Court went on to note that as per the modified Standard Operating Procedure, for district and trial courts, the recording of evidence in physical form is permitted as far as the City Civil Court is concerned, with effect from October 12..In this regard, the Court directed, ."The SOP provided for modification of the setup of the existing court rooms. The Registrar General is to ensure that the court of Special Judge is immediately modified so that on the administrative side, modification can be made to SOP, permitting the Special Judge to immediately start recording of evidence by physically procuring the presence of the witness." .SC asks High Court Chief Justices to prepare Action Plan for expeditious disposal of pending cases against legislators [Read Order].The Court has asked the Registrar General and the state government to place the necessary information on record within one week. .The Court has also directed that a copy of such information be forwarded to Amicus Curiae, Senior Advocate Aditya Sondhi. After going through the the same, the Amicus would be at liberty to place his suggestions to the Court in writing, CJ Oka said..The matter will be next heard on October 5.