Odisha Assembly: Minister shares details about criminal cases against former and current MPs and MLAs

A recent revelation in the Odisha Assembly has brought to light the number of criminal cases registered against former and sitting Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). 

According to the written response provided by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling in response to a question by Opposition Deputy Leader Prasanna Acharya, a total of 22 cases have been registered against former and current MPs, along with 39 criminal cases.

Also Read: Bangladeshi infiltration a growing concern as over 3000 infiltrators identified in Odisha

Legal Proceedings and Status of Cases

The data further highlights that former and sitting MLAs are facing a total of 115 cases, with 418 criminal cases registered against them. 

Out of these, 384 cases are currently under trial while trial completed in 14 cases. Additionally, investigations are underway for 43 cases.

Political Implications

Among these cases, 198 have been identified as purely political in nature. The disclosure of such legal entanglements of public representatives has sparked discussions regarding the accountability and integrity of elected officials in Odisha. 

With these revelations, political and legal experts anticipate further debates on the necessity of strict measures to ensure transparency and accountability in the political landscape of the state.