Jharkhand HC raps CBI over delay in trials of MPs, MLAs

THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK

Ranchi, April 17: The Jharkhand High Court has expressed concern over the prolonged delays in the hearing of criminal cases registered against Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in the state.

The Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit a status report and scheduled the next hearing for June 17. During the proceedings, the Court orally observed that the CBI does not appear to be serious about the timely disposal of pending cases involving public representatives.

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The Court pointed out that in many cases involving MPs and MLAs, it takes up to six years to frame charges even after a chargesheet has been filed. The trial process itself extends over several years, which creates a sense of fear and intimidation among witnesses.

The Court also noted that the CBI, despite being a premier investigative agency, has been unsuccessful in ensuring the timely appearance of witnesses and expediting the trial process.

As per the current status, 12 criminal cases involving MPs and MLAs are pending in Jharkhand—nine in the Ranchi Civil Court and three in the Dhanbad Court.

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The CBI informed the Court that it would study the order sheets of these cases and provide an explanation regarding the causes of delay in completing the trials.