A new report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has revealed that 12 of India’s 30 serving Chief Ministers have declared pending criminal cases against them in their election affidavits. The study, based on affidavits submitted to the Election Commission, shows that 40% of the country’s top state leaders face legal proceedings ranging from election related violations to serious criminal charges. The report comes even as the Government has introduced three bills that seek the removal of Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and Ministers arrested for 30 days on serious criminal charges.
Hemant Soren Declared Five Cases
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, representing the Barhait assembly constituency, has disclosed five cases, including seven serious charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). In one of the cases registered under IPC sections 188 and 171F, charges were framed against him in 2019. His appeal against the case is pending, and the Jharkhand High Court has stayed the trial. Overall, the report found that 33% of Chief Ministers across India face serious criminal charges such as attempt to murder, abduction, bribery and criminal intimidation.
Also Read: Show Cause Notice Issued to BCCL Top Officials Over Irregularities of Rs. 1500 Crore
Revanth Reddy Named Top in the List
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy reported the highest number of cases at 89, followed by Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin with 47 and Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu with 19. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has 13 pending cases, while Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu each declared four. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann reported the least, with just one pending case. The ADR highlighted that its findings are based on directly from self sworn affidavits given by the leaders during elections.
Join the WhatsApp Group of Business Jharkhand to Stay tuned for all the latest updates of industrial-political developments in Jharkhand.
