Supreme Court Rules Prior Sanction Not Needed to Prosecute Public Servants Demanding Bribes
· India · Times of India, Hindustan Times, The Hindu
The Supreme Court ruled that public servants caught demanding bribes do not enjoy the protection of prior sanction from higher authorities before prosecution. A bench of Justices SVN Bhatti and NV Anjaria interpreted Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, stating that the statutory shield applies only to decisions made in the normal discharge of official duties. The court dismissed an appeal by a Rajasthan police constable challenging an FIR and chargesheet for allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs 1.5 lakh. The bench emphasized that the act of demanding a bribe is a criminal offense unconnected to official functions. Consequently, investigating agencies do not require official approval to initiate inquiries or prosecutions in such cases.
Why it matters
The ruling removes legal hurdles for anti-corruption agencies, ensuring that public officials accused of bribery can be prosecuted without administrative delays.
Read the original report — Times of India
Join us on Telegram
Breaking news the moment it lands. At 10,000 members we ship the Android app.