SC's Big Verdict On Bribery By MP, MLAs: Top Points

The Supreme Court on Monday ruled that MPs and MLAs were not immune from prosecution for taking bribes to make a speech or vote in the legislature

Bribery is not protected by Parliamentary privileges, the apex court noted

The court also said that MLA taking bribes to vote in Rajya Sabha elections can also be prosecuted under the Prevention of Corruption Act

The court reasoned that the purpose and object for legislative privileges must be borne in mind.

The top court ruled that bribery is not rendered immune under Article 105 or 194 because a member indulging in bribery indulges in a criminal act

A seven-judge bench unanimously over-ruled previous SC ruling by a five-judge bench in PV Narasimha Rao case

The bench headed by CJI DY Chandrachud overtuned the 1998 verdict and ruled that bribery is not rendered immune under Article 105 or 194

The top court said that it does not depend on whether the vote or speech is given at a later time

The offence of bribery is crystallised on the taking of illegal gratification, the court said