‘Must finish trial against MPs and MLAs in one yr’

In a move which could help clean the political spectrum, the Supreme Court on Monday ordered rapid completion of trial against MPs and MLAs facing corruption and serious criminal charges. The apex court directed trial courts to conclude trials against politicians in such cases setting a deadline of one year from the framing of charges. A bench headed by Justice RM Lodha also said trial courts will have to give explanation to the Chief Justice of the respective high court if the trial is not completed within a year. The bench, however, said the period can be extended by the Chief Justice of the high court if he is satisfied with the reason given by the trial judge for not completing the trial within this period.