Supreme Court allows Himachal Pradesh to withdraw COVID-era cases against MPs and MLAs

The Supreme Court of India has permitted the Himachal Pradesh government to withdraw prosecution in 63 criminal cases involving sitting and former Members of Parliament (MPs) and Legislative Assembly (MLAs). The cases were originally registered during the COVID-19 pandemic in connection with public demonstrations, such as holding dharnas on highways and burning effigies.

A three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, observed that the allegations did not involve heinous offences or bodily injury. The court noted that the incidents occurred during the exceptional distress of the pandemic and that the accused were public representatives raising grievances rather than hardened criminals.

The ruling overturns a previous Himachal Pradesh High Court order that had only allowed the withdrawal of 15 out of the 65 cases. The Supreme Court found no justification for restricting the withdrawal, noting that continuing these prosecutions would consume judicial time that should be reserved for more serious or contentious matters. The charges involved violations of the IPC, the National Highways Act, and the Disaster Management Act.