When the guardians of law and order themselves face hundreds of pending criminal cases, what does it say about our democracy?
That’s exactly the question the Bombay High Court raised when it pulled up the Maharashtra government over a shocking 467 cases still pending against MPs and MLAs.
⚖️ The Court’s Sharp Words
- The High Court wasn’t impressed with the state’s submission. The report filed was full of gaps — no district-wise breakup, no trial stage updates, no data on witnesses examined.
👉 In simple words: the court wanted answers, but got half a picture.
And when the state claimed many cases were delayed because “summons were not delivered,” the bench snapped back:
“They are public figures. Their addresses are known. How can summons not be served?”
⏳ Four Weeks to Act
The judges have now given Maharashtra just 4 weeks to submit:
- District-wise details of all 467 cases
- Status of each trial
- Number of witnesses (and how many examined)
- Whether the accused are absconding or not
This isn’t just paperwork — it’s about showing whether the state is serious about ensuring politicians face justice.
🧩 Why This Matters
- Democracy at risk: If lawmakers are lawbreakers, people lose trust in governance.
- Justice delayed = justice denied: Pending cases drag on for years while accountability vanishes.
- Supreme Court Reminder: Back in 2021, the SC had already ordered speedy disposal of criminal cases against MPs/MLAs. The HC is simply enforcing that directive now.
🔍 Beyond Numbers: The Big Question
- It’s not just about 467 cases. It’s about whether our legal system can hold powerful people accountable.
- If summons can’t be delivered to leaders who appear in rallies, press meets, and public events almost daily — what hope is there for ordinary citizens seeking justice?
📢 The Takeaway
- The Bombay High Court’s stand is a reminder that no one is above the law.
- Maharashtra has four weeks to put its house in order. The big question now:
👉 Will these cases finally move forward, or will justice continue to crawl?
✍️ Final Thought
Justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done. For India’s democracy to thrive, our leaders must lead by example — and that starts with facing the law just like everyone else.