Patna High Court rules prior sanction needed before criminal cases against officials for acts on duty

Patna High Court delivered a judgment clarifying that any criminal case filed against a public servant for acts carried out in the discharge of official duties must first receive prior sanction from the appropriate authority. The ruling underscores the legal requirement that sanction serves as a safeguard against premature or frivolous prosecutions of officials performing their duties. The bench emphasized that the sanction provision is rooted in existing statutes governing public servants and corruption-related offences. By mandating this procedural step, the court aims to balance accountability with protection for officials acting within the scope of their responsibilities. The decision is expected to influence how law enforcement agencies approach investigations involving government employees in Bihar.