Agencies like CBI and Enforcement Directorate came in under the Supreme Court fire over delays in investigations against MPs and MLAs.
Noting that cases are pending for 10-15 years and chargesheets are not filed, Chief Justice of India NV Ramanna asked the agencies to explain why.
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In a sharp rebuke to the agencies, the court remarked that the Enforcement Directorate is "only attaching properties" and nothing else is done.
Pointing out that speedy trials were needed to deliver justice to people, the Chief Justice told the investigative agencies to file chargesheets and not keep cases hanging.
According to the Chief Justice, since the cases involve public representatives, special conditions were needed as "they can also misuse their position".
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the government, admitted to the delays and said: "Instead of going case by case, I am in agreement that they need to be expedited."
In response, the Chief Justice said it was "easy to say that expedite this" but where was it happening?