Lawmakers must set an example: Arun Jaitley

New Delhi: Stating that lawmakers should take the lead in setting an example, Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley on Tuesday strongly defended the move to set up fast-track courts for dealing exclusively with criminal cases against politicans.

Mr Jaitley said he was of the personal opinion that like Caesar’s wife, law makers should be above suspicion. Asking political parties to rise and set an example he asked if as elected representatives, can law makers say that their trial should be delayed.

The finance minister was responding to opposition concerns in the Rajya Sabha over the message setting up of special courts to try politicians will send. “You are class apart. You are lawmakers. You should set the example,” he said.

Raising the issue through a ‘point-of-order’, Naresh Agrawal (SP) said Article 14 of the Constitution provides for equity before law and elected representatives are on par with other citizens.

While there are no special courts for fast-track trial of terrorists and dreaded criminals, setting up one for elected representatives would create misleading perception about politicians, he said.

The Samajwadi Party leader also questioned the governmnent’s affadivit supporting setting up of the fast-track courts.