#criminal misconduct

The Madhya Pradesh High Court acquitted several officials, ruling that mere administrative irregularities in a teacher recruitment process cannot satisfy the ‘dishonest or fraudulent intention’ element of Section 13(1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The decision narrows the Act’s reach, protecting officials from prosecution where only procedural lapses occur.

Karnataka High Court affirms that Government 'B' Kharab land is inalienable, dismissing petitions to quash FIRs under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The ruling underscores the necessity of investigation into alleged illegal conversion by public servants to uphold public trust and land revenue laws.

Orissa HC affirms conviction under the Prevention of Corruption Act for falsifying bank records but reduces sentence to one week rigorous imprisonment and Rs. 30,000 fine, citing the appellant’s advanced age and unprecedented 45-year trial delay. The ruling underscores that individual liability persists even if co-accused are acquitted, setting a precedent for proportional sentencing in delayed prosecutions.

Patna High Court rules that 15 years of unblemished service and prior document verification negate dishonest intent in forgery allegations, mandating bail under Article 21. The judgment reinforces that prolonged incarceration without trial progress violates constitutional rights, even in serious IPC offences.

The Calcutta High Court upheld the dismissal of a BSF personnel for accepting bribes to falsify medical certificates, ruling that grave corruption in recruitment undermines national security and justifies immediate removal even before criminal conviction. This sets a critical standard for disciplinary action in paramilitary forces where public trust and institutional credibility are at stake.

The Supreme Court ruled that confiscation proceedings under the Bihar Special Courts Act, 2009, do not abate upon the death of a public servant if notice and hearing were accorded to family members. The proceedings must be decided on merits, ensuring accountability for disproportionate assets acquired during the check period.