Kuala Lampur, March 8 -- In a landmark decision, a seven-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court of India on Monday (March 4) unanimously ruled that Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) could not claim any immunity from prosecution for accepting bribes to cast a vote or make a speech in the House in a particular fashion.

Article 105(2) of the Indian Constitution confers on MPs immunity from prosecution in respect of anything said or any vote given in Parliament or on any parliamentary committee. Similarly, Article 194(2) grants protection to MLAs.

Notwithstanding the clear constitutional provisions, the apex court said that privileges and immunities "are not gateways to claim exemptions from the...