ORDER

(Order of the Court was made by the Hon'ble Chief Justice)

Learned Amicus Curiae would bring to the notice of this Court that as on 30.09.2025, there are as many as 216 criminal cases pending against sitting / former MPs and MLAs in the State of Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry. To be precise, in Tamil Nadu, there are 193 cases pending; whereas in Puducherry, 23 cases are still pending.

2. We have gone through the other details with regard to the year in which the criminal cases were instituted and also the present status. There are many old cases where trial has not been concluded and has remained pending at various stages. One of the reasons for pendency of trial, as stated in the report, is that interim orders have been passed by higher courts, due to which, the trial is not proceeding further.

3. Learned counsel appearing for the High Court is directed to submit a complete list of all those cases relating to MPs and MLAs where interim order has been granted by the High Court. The list should be submitted within two weeks.

4. The following directions are issued to the concerned trial Courts dealing with MPs/MLAs cases:

(i) All cases where stay has not been grante