NEW DELHI, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Indian government said on Tuesday that it would soon set up 12 special courts to fast-track more than 1,500 criminal cases pending against tainted lawmakers.
The Indian Law Ministry announced the decision in the Supreme Court through an affidavit and said that the Finance Ministry has also earmarked funds for the purpose.
These cases were in fact declared by politicians themselves when they filed their nomination papers for general elections in 2014 as well as in the run-up to polls in eight states.
The government's response came after the apex court pulled it up last month and demanded a roadmap for speedy trial of lawmakers facing criminal charges.
The court had sought the response from the Indian government in the wake of a petition by a noted lawyer, who has sought a life ban on convicted politicians from contesting elections.
The present system bars a convicted lawmaker from contesting elections for six years.
