The supreme court, in a landmark decision, ruled that Members of parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) can be held accountable and punished for accepting bribes. The court emphasized that no one, including lawmakers, is exempt from bribery cases, stating that taking bribes to ask questions in legislatures doesn't provide protection.
This ruling, delivered by a seven-judge constitution bench, overturned a 1998 judgment by a five-member bench, which had dismissed a case involving MPs allegedly receiving money to ask questions during the tenure of then-Prime minister PV narasimha Rao. The judgment carries significance as it addresses the issue of corruption within legislative bodies and reinforces the idea that lawmakers are not immune to legal consequences for bribery.
The decision is expected to impact cases involving legislators accused of accepting money for raising questions, highlighting the court's commitment to upholding ethical standards in governance. In light of recent cases, such as that of trinamool congress party member Mahua Moitra, who was accused of taking money to ask questions and subsequently suspended from the assembly, the supreme Court's ruling underscores the importance of maintaining integrity within legislative processes.
The court's decision serves as a reminder that public officials, regardless of their status, are subject to the rule of law and accountability measures in cases of corruption.
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