SC refuses to hear Centre’s review plea of its verdict on convicted politicians

The Supreme Court today refused to entertain the Centre’s plea seeking a review of its verdict on disqualification of MPs and MLAs on being convicted in a criminal case. The apex court, however, agreed to hear the Centre’s petition seeking review of its judgment barring arrested persons from contesting elections.

Earlier, the Union Cabinet on August 22 had cleared the proposal to allow convicted lawmakers to retain their membership till an appeal is pending before a court while suspending their voting rights.

According to the law ministry’s proposal to amend the Representation of People Act, an MP or MLA can retain membership even after conviction if his or her appeal is pending before a court and sentence is stayed, but he or she shall neither be entitled to vote nor draw salary and allowances.

The move was necessitated after the Supreme Court ruling disqualifying a legislator in the event of a conviction for an offence attracting a sentence of more than two years.

At an all-party meeting, political parties across the board opposed the apex court order, arguing it could be misused to settle scores.