The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) today welcomed the Supreme Court order directing that trial proceedings in cases of corruption and serious crimes against elected representatives be completed within a year.
"The apex court's order that trial in cases against elected representatives be completed in a year by conducting day-to-day hearings is welcome. Even the Law Commission previously recommended the same," TDP politburo member Yanamala Ramakrishnudu said in a statement.
People's faith in democracy would enhance if politics was cleansed of criminal elements, Yanamala observed, adding that the Supreme Court order would pave way for it.
He wanted the guidelines issued by the Supreme Court and the Election Commission of India implemented to bar those facing criminal charges from contesting elections.
It was regrettable that the percentage of elected representatives facing criminal charges shot up to 30 now from 10 in 2002.
Out of the 4,835 MPs and MLAs across the country, as many as 1,448 were facing criminal charges, the TDP leaders said, quoting a study by the National Election Watch and Association for Democratic Research.
While 128 out of 543 members faced criminal charges in the 14th Lok Sabha, the number went up to 162 in the 15th.
Referring to the criminal cases against Kadapa MP Y S Jaganmohan Reddy, the TDP senior leader said special courts should be set up to try them expeditiously.
Many charge sheets were already filed against Jagan in different cases and the courts have taken cognisance of them, he pointed out.
