Immunity for public servants not to shield the corrupt: SC
Hindustan Times|December 16, 2024
The Supreme Court has outlined the scope of immunity granted to public servants, making it explicit that the requirement of prior sanction to prosecute them is "not a shield for corrupt practices" and that the immunity cannot be misused by public servants to camouflage illegal acts as duties performed under the colour of their office.
Utkarsh Anand
Immunity for public servants not to shield the corrupt: SC

A bench, comprising justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, emphasised that Section 197 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), cannot be invoked to protect illegal actions and that immunity is not an instrument to cover up acts that are patently unlawful and unrelated to any legitimate exercise of official functions.

"The object behind the enactment of Section 197 CrPC is to protect responsible public servants against institution of possibly false or vexatious criminal proceedings for offences alleged to have been committed by them while they are acting or purporting to act in their official capacity...The provision must not be abused by public servants to camouflage the commission of a crime under the supposed colour of public office," held the bench.

It added that the benefit of the provision must not be extended to public officials who try to take undue advantage of their position and misuse the authority vested in them for committing acts which are otherwise not permitted in law. "In such circumstances, the acts committed must be considered dehors the duties which a public servant is required to discharge or perform...The purpose behind the enactment of Section 197 CrPC must not be to shield corrupt officials," the bench said.

Denne historien er fra December 16, 2024-utgaven av Hindustan Times.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra December 16, 2024-utgaven av Hindustan Times.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA HINDUSTAN TIMESSe alt
Justice Yadav appears before SC collegium
Hindustan Times

Justice Yadav appears before SC collegium

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court collegium on Tuesday convened a meeting with Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad high court, a rare intervention that was meant to address the latter's controversial remarks at a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) event earlier this month.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 18, 2024
Hindustan Times

'One election' bill tabled in House, may be sent to JPC

NEW DELHI: The Union government on Tuesday introduced in the Lok Sabha two bills aimed at ushering in simultaneous state and national elections amid loud protests by the Opposition, taking the first step towards implementing sweeping changes in the way polls are conducted in the world's largest democracy.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 18, 2024
Hindustan Times

'Like Tendulkar is for cricket, Zakir Hussain was for classical music'

As the world of Indian classical music mourns Ustad Zakir Hussain, who died on December 15, few feel the loss as deeply as musician Aditya Kalyanpur.

time-read
1 min  |
December 18, 2024
WHY INDIA LOVES BRAND AYUSHMANN KHURRANA
Hindustan Times

WHY INDIA LOVES BRAND AYUSHMANN KHURRANA

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana is considered one of India's most relatable youth icons, something that is reflected in the diverse brands he endorses.

time-read
1 min  |
December 18, 2024
When Chay flew to Mumbai for his first date with Sobhita
Hindustan Times

When Chay flew to Mumbai for his first date with Sobhita

Following their wedding on December 4, actor-couple Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala have opened up about their relationship for the first time.

time-read
1 min  |
December 18, 2024
Hindustan Times

How the challenge of batting in Oz changed

KOOKABURRA RELEASED A REDESIGNED BALL FOR TESTS IN 2021 THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO MAKE THE GAME MORE EXCITING, BUT IT HAS ONLY MADE BATTING MORE DIFFICULT

time-read
3 mins  |
December 18, 2024
Grit in the tail frustrates the hosts, India avoid follow-on
Hindustan Times

Grit in the tail frustrates the hosts, India avoid follow-on

Like in 2021, there was defiance in the damp air of Gabba as Deep and Bumrah steer India towards a likely draw on Day 4

time-read
3 mins  |
December 18, 2024
Hindustan Times

New Zealand crush England by 423 runs to send retiring Southee out on a high

New Zealand tore through England's batting on Tuesday to crush the visitors by 423 runs in the third Test and send Tim Southee into retirement on a triumphant note.

time-read
1 min  |
December 18, 2024
Jhulan Goswami stand: Another historic moment at Eden Gardens
Hindustan Times

Jhulan Goswami stand: Another historic moment at Eden Gardens

At 6.58 pm on a misty winter evening near the Eden Gardens change rooms, Jhulan Goswami took the stage. And said she was speechless.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 18, 2024
DDCA head Jaitley calls it mandate for hard work
Hindustan Times

DDCA head Jaitley calls it mandate for hard work

Newly elected president of Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) Rohan Jaitley on Tuesday promised to build a new cricket stadium in the capital and address the selection controversies surrounding the senior and age-group teams.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 18, 2024