The Supreme Court has granted bail to a Bihar government officer convicted under the Prevention of Corruption Act, suspending her sentence. The court expressed concern over the claim that bribe money seized in the case was destroyed by rodents. This decision came after a Special Leave Petition was filed by Aruna Kumari, a former Child Development Programme Officer, challenging the Patna High Court’s judgment that reversed her acquittal.
The trial court had initially acquitted Kumari of charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act but the High Court convicted her. She was sentenced to four years of Rigorous Imprisonment under Section 13(2) and three years under Section 7 of the Act. The Supreme Court, considering the arguments presented by the petitioner’s senior advocate, issued a notice suspending the High Court’s sentence and ordered her release on bail with specified conditions.
During the proceedings, the apex court highlighted a troubling detail from the prosecution’s case mentioned in the High Court judgment. It was revealed that the bribe money seized as evidence was destroyed by rodents due to inadequate storage conditions in the police malkhana. The court expressed surprise at this revelation and raised concerns about the potential revenue loss to the State if such incidents occur frequently.
The Supreme Court questioned the credibility of the explanation provided for the destruction of the seized currency, stating that it lacked conviction. The Bench led by Justice Pardiwala indicated that this issue could have broader implications and mentioned that it would delve deeper into this matter during the final hearing.
