Supreme Court holds Section 17A PC Act does not apply to bribe demands by public servants

The Supreme Court has held that demanding a bribe is a "pure criminal act" unconnected with official functions, and that Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 — which requires prior approval to investigate a public servant over recommendations or decisions made in official duties — does not apply to such allegations. A bench of Justices S.V.N. Bhatti and N.V. Anjaria delivered the ruling in Tejaram v. State of Rajasthan (2026 INSC 1147), dismissing an appeal by a Rajasthan police constable who had argued that the corruption case against him was vitiated for want of prior approval. The Court also noted that sanction for prosecution under Section 19 of the Act had already been obtained, so the trial will proceed on its merits. Reported by LiveLaw, Verdictum, Jurishour, CourtBook and Informist Media. (LiveLaw, Verdictum, Jurishour, Courtbook, Informistmedia)

• The Supreme Court has held that demanding a bribe is a "pure criminal act" unconnected with official functions, and that Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 — which requires prior approval to investigat
• A bench of Justices S.V.N.
• Bhatti and N.V.