New Delhi: The Supreme Court today (Nov 29, 2004) issued notice to the Centre on a PIL (Public Interest Litigation) seeking expeditious trial of criminal cases against influential persons, including politicians, saying the law has been "misused" by them to delay and frustrate the trial.

A Bench headed by Justice R C Lahoti issued the notice on a PIL filed by advocate V K Ohri citing the case against Union Minister Sibu Soren, trial of which has been delayed for more than 25 years.

Citing the case against Soren, pending before a Jamtara court in Jharkhand, the petitioner alleged that there was a complete collapse of criminal justice system in the country, particularly Jharkhand.

"It appears that the wheel of criminal justice system does not move at all and every strategy is being adopted to delay and frustrate the trial and the State machinery is also being used to seek withdrawal of charges against influential persons, including politicians, on absurd considerations," the petition alleged.

The petitioner urged the Court to direct all States and High Courts to ensure that the trial of influential persons is taken up and completed very expeditiously under the supervision of the High Courts.