Himachal HC takes cognizance of criminal cases against MLAs, including Arki MLA Sanjay Awasthi
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source internet
Shimla, Aug 20,
In a marked display of judicial resolve, the Himachal Pradesh High Court, presided over by a Division Bench of Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Ranjan Sharma, has taken serious note of multiple pending criminal cases involving sitting Members of Parliament and Legislative Assembly. Among them is Congress MLA Sanjay Awasthi of Arki, against whom charges were framed on April 21, 2022 by the Special Judge in Solan.
This judicial intervention follows a Supreme Court directive mandating the expeditious disposal of criminal matters involving elected representatives, emphasizing a six-month timeline to uphold public trust in democratic processes.
During proceedings in suo motu Public Interest Litigation, the Bench urged the State government to submit photocopies of all relevant documentation related to the framing of charges against Awasthi and co-accused Vikramjeet Malik. Senior Advocate Devyani Sharma, appearing as amicus curiae, assisted the court, while Advocate General Anup Rattan placed on record the documents received from the Home Department.
The division bench noted in a order,” Learned Advocate General has placed on record photocopies of the Charges framed against main accused Vikramjeet Malik and Sanjay Awasthi, the sitting MLA from Arki, on 21.04.2022 by the
Special Judge, Solan, District Solan. HP. Adding,” Let photocopies of relevant documents be also placed on
record.”
Official sources reveal no fewer than 36 politically-sensitive criminal cases—filed against both present and former MLAs, MPs, and ministers—are still pending across various courts in the State, stalling judicial closure and undermining democratic credibility.
Expressing concern that prolonged pendency erodes public faith in politics, the Bench directed authorities to ensure that all records relevant to Awasthi’s case are presented by the next hearing, slated for September 8, 2025. It also hinted at the possibility of further judicial monitoring to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court’s accelerated trial mandate.
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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
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