Union Law Ministry Seeks Evaluation of Special Courts for MPs and MLAs

The Union law ministry has called for proposals from top Indian institutes to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of special courts established for the expeditious trial of criminal cases involving MPs and MLAs. This study aims to assess their functionality, efficacy, and impact, following Supreme Court directions.

The Union law ministry has extended an invitation to premier Indian institutes—including IIMs, IITs, law universities, and judicial academies—to submit proposals to evaluate the special courts set up for rapid trials of MPs and MLAs facing criminal charges.

These proposals fall under the 'Scheme for Action Research and Studies on Judicial Reforms' overseen by the Department of Justice. In 2017, directed by the Supreme Court, the central government established 12 special courts across various states specifically for cases involving MPs and MLAs.

Currently, ten courts remain operational, with performances monitored by the Supreme Court. The upcoming comprehensive study aims to gauge these courts' effectiveness and impact, providing data crucial for future reforms in the judicial system.