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UPSC Notes

Special Courts for MPs/MLAs

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

These courts are a direct response to concerns about criminalization of politics and judicial pendency. UPSC examines their role, effectiveness, and implications for governance and electoral reforms.

Special Courts for MPs/MLAs are fast-track courts established in India to expedite the trial of criminal cases pending against Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs). These courts aim to ensure timely justice and uphold the integrity of the electoral process by addressing the issue of criminalization of politics.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Purpose

Expedite trials of criminal cases against sitting and former MPs/MLAs.

Establishment

Mandated by the Supreme Court of India to address the large number of pending cases.

Jurisdiction

Handle cases involving elected representatives, often at the District and Sessions Judge level.

Significance

Aims to reduce criminalization of politics and ensure accountability of public representatives.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaIndian Polity & Governance

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Supreme Court of IndiaMandated the establishment of these courts
High CourtsOversee the functioning of these courts within their jurisdiction
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Fast-track courts for MPs/MLAs.
  • Mandated by Supreme Court.
  • Aims to curb criminalization of politics.
  • Statutory in nature.
  • Jurisdiction at District/Sessions level.

Elimination traps

Constitutional vs statutory — These courts are statutory, established by executive order/judicial directive, not directly by the Constitution.

Check if created by Constitution or by Parliament.

High-confidence PYQs

2024Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

A Writ of Prohibition is an order issued by the Supreme Court or High Courts to :

Indian PolityOpen question

Under which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India, has the Supreme Court of India placed the Right to Privacy?

Indian PolityOpen question
2024Definition-based questions, Institutional roles and functions

A Writ of Prohibition is an order issued by the Supreme Court or High Courts to :

Indian PolityOpen question

Under which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India, has the Supreme Court of India placed the Right to Privacy?

Indian PolityOpen question
2023Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: 1. If the election of the President of India is declared void by the Supreme Court of India, all acts done by him/her in t...

Indian PolityOpen question
2022Statement-based questions, Factual recall

Consider the following statements : 1. Pursuant to the report of H.N. Sanyal Committee, the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 was passed. 2. The Constitution of ...

Indian PolityOpen question
2021Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding

With reference to Indian Judiciary, consider the following statements: 1. Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act ...

Indian PolityOpen question
2019Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements : 1. The motion to impeach a Judge of the Supreme Court of India cannot be rejected by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha as per ...

Indian PolityOpen question

With reference to the Constitution of India, consider the following statements: 1. No High Court shall have the jurisdiction to declare any central law to ...

Indian PolityOpen question
2019Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding

Consider the following statements : 1. The motion to impeach a Judge of the Supreme Court of India cannot be rejected by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha as per ...

Indian PolityOpen question

With reference to the Constitution of India, consider the following statements: 1. No High Court shall have the jurisdiction to declare any central law to ...

Indian PolityOpen question
2014Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

The power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre and the States falls under its

Indian PolityOpen question

Topic timeline

Indian Polity & Governance
Prelims 2014· Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

The power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre and the States falls under its

Open question
Prelims 2019· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements : 1. The motion to impeach a Judge of the Supreme Court of India cannot be rejected by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha as per ...

Open question

With reference to the Constitution of India, consider the following statements: 1. No High Court shall have the jurisdiction to declare any central law to ...

Open question
Prelims 2019· Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding

Consider the following statements : 1. The motion to impeach a Judge of the Supreme Court of India cannot be rejected by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha as per ...

Open question

With reference to the Constitution of India, consider the following statements: 1. No High Court shall have the jurisdiction to declare any central law to ...

Open question
Prelims 2021· Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding

With reference to Indian Judiciary, consider the following statements: 1. Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act ...

Open question
Prelims 2022· Statement-based questions, Factual recall

Consider the following statements : 1. Pursuant to the report of H.N. Sanyal Committee, the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 was passed. 2. The Constitution of ...

Open question
Prelims 2023· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: 1. If the election of the President of India is declared void by the Supreme Court of India, all acts done by him/her in t...

Open question
Prelims 2024· Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

A Writ of Prohibition is an order issued by the Supreme Court or High Courts to :

Open question

Under which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India, has the Supreme Court of India placed the Right to Privacy?

Open question
Prelims 2024· Definition-based questions, Institutional roles and functions

A Writ of Prohibition is an order issued by the Supreme Court or High Courts to :

Open question

Under which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India, has the Supreme Court of India placed the Right to Privacy?

Open question

Fresh hearing ordered on plea seeking FIR against Rahul over remarks on Hindu god Ram

11 Jun 2026 · Special Courts for MPs/MLAs are fast-track courts mandated by the Supreme Court to expedite criminal trials against elected representatives, aiming to reduce criminalization of politics.

Read article

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Special Courts for MPs/MLAs

Often confused with

Challenges to Judicial Efficiency and Functioning

Open notes

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Special Courts for MPs/MLAs in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

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