The panel also said that though there could be special focus on the criminal cases involving "influential public men", the steps to be taken should be part of the "larger plan" to check delays and deficiencies in investigation into serious crimes and to ensure progress of trials without hindrances and hurdles placed by the accused.
"The Commission is of the view that the cases of influential persons in public life need to come up for special focus for the reason that the experience shows occurrence of long delays both in investigation and trial...," the Commission has said in its latest report dealing with 'expeditious investigation and trial of criminal cases against influential public personalities'.
The panel, which advises government on complex legal issues, said persons holding public offices have a role to play in democratic governance and the people have legitimate expectation that the elected representatives are clean and free from criminal misconduct. "Thus, public are equally interested in early conclusion of trial. The cloud cast on them should not linger on for years and decades," it said.
On the question of setting up of special courts to try such personalities, the report pointed that creation of more special courts to deal with corruption cases is an area which is engaging the attention of the Centre and the high courts.
"Crimes allegedly committed by influential persons holding high offices in extraordinary situations such as Emergency was held to be a justifiable ground to set up Special Courts. But, any blanket direction to set up Special Courts wherever influential public personalities are involved ought to be avoided, especially viewed from Article 14 angle," (which deals with equality before law) the report said. (MORE) PTI NAB
