Special courts for MPs, MLAs: Opposition objects, says Centre can misuse

Congress leaders in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday opposed Centre's plan to set up 12 special courts to try pending criminal cases against Members of Parliament (MPs) and Member of Legislative Assembly (MLAs).

After the ongoing winter session of Parliament resumed, Congress leader Anand Sharma said the demand had an inherent potential to be abused in entirety by the government of the day.

Sharma also asked the government to ensure adequate funds for setting up special courts to try criminal cases against politicians.

 Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad also joined the debate saying the law should be equal for everyone and legislators alone should not be singled out.

In reply, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley asked Congress if they had vested interests in delaying trials of politicians.

The Centre had informed the Supreme Court that it has decided to set up 12 special courts to deal exclusively with criminal cases against lawmakers and politicians.