
The Supreme Court's decision to overturn a 1998 order shielding legislators from prosecution for accepting bribes to give speeches and cast votes in the assembly has been hailed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"HAGATAM! The Hon'ble Supreme Court's outstanding decision will guarantee clean politics and increase public confidence in the system, PM Modi stated on
A seven-member constitution panel led by India's Chief Justice, DY Chandrachud, issued the unanimous decision. "We have independently adjudicated on all aspects of the controversy," stated the Chief Justice. Do members of parliament have immunity? On this point, we defy the majority and disagree."
According to the Chief Justice, "bribery is complete when it is accepted." "Corruption and bribery by members of the legislature erode probity in public life," he stated.
In 1998, a five-member bench decided that, according to parliamentary privileges granted by Articles 105(2) and 194(2) of the Constitution, MPs and MLAs were not prosecuted for accepting bribes to give speeches and cast votes in the legislature.