MP's anti-corruption court Bill gets Presidential assent

Bhopal:The President has given assent to a Bill that provides for setting up Special Courts for expeditious trial of corruption-related cases involving public servants in Madhya Pradesh.

President Pratibha Patil has given her assent to the Madhya Pradesh Vishesh Nyayalaya Vidheyak (MP Special Courts Bill). With the President signing the Bill, it has now become an Act, an official release said here today.

“The Government shall, for the purpose of speedy trial of offence, establish as many Special Courts as considered adequate. A Special Court shall be presided over by a Judge to be nominated by the State Government with the concurrence of the High Court,” according to the Act.

These courts will try cases pertaining to disproportionate wealth or property. The cases pending in the Special Courts set up under the existing anti-corruption Act shall also be transferred to them. The new Act specifies a time limit of one year for trial of the graft cases.

A key provision of the Act is that on the basis of prima facie evidence, where the Government has reasons to believe a public servant has committed the offence, it may, whether or not the Court has taken cognisance, authorise the Public Prosecutor to make a plea for confiscation of money and other property amassed through corrupt means.

“The affected person would be given a reasonable opportunity of being heard. If the authorised officer is not satisfied then he would issue orders for confiscation of money or property.”