📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Pinakpani
Politics
Supreme Court permits Himachal Pradesh to drop COVID-19 protest cases against MLAs, MPs
✍️ Bar and Bench
🗓 09 Sep 2026, 07:33 PM
👁 24
The Supreme Court has cleared the way for Himachal Pradesh to withdraw pending criminal cases filed against several state legislators and members of parliament over COVID-19 protest actions.
The apex court ruled that the Himachal Pradesh government may withdraw the criminal complaints lodged against a number of MLAs and MPs who took part in protests against COVID-19 restrictions. The petitions, filed by the state, sought to quash cases that alleged violation of pandemic protocols during rallies and public gatherings.
In its order, the bench directed that the withdrawal be effected through the appropriate legal channels, emphasizing that the decision does not set a precedent for future protest‑related litigation but merely addresses the specific petitions before it. The court also noted that the state has the discretion to decide whether to pursue or drop the charges.
Legal experts said the judgment could ease the immediate legal burden on the elected representatives, allowing them to focus on legislative duties. Opposition parties, however, warned that the move might be perceived as political shielding, urging transparency in how the withdrawals are processed.
In its order, the bench directed that the withdrawal be effected through the appropriate legal channels, emphasizing that the decision does not set a precedent for future protest‑related litigation but merely addresses the specific petitions before it. The court also noted that the state has the discretion to decide whether to pursue or drop the charges.
Legal experts said the judgment could ease the immediate legal burden on the elected representatives, allowing them to focus on legislative duties. Opposition parties, however, warned that the move might be perceived as political shielding, urging transparency in how the withdrawals are processed.