Prosecution of Private Individuals Under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988

sketch of the Bombay High Court
Case
THE DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE, ANTI-CORRUPTION BUREAU, BHANDARA. v. RAVINDRA S/O CHANDRABHAN CHAKOLE (Bombay High Court, 21-09-2026)
Law
Prevention of Corruption Act.

Highlights of the Judgment:

  • Examination of whether a private individual can be prosecuted under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
  • Application of Section 12 concerning the punishment for the abetment of corruption offences by non-public servants.
  • Interpretation of Supreme Court precedent establishing that co-conspirators or abettors need not hold public office to face trial.
  • Scope of revisional jurisdiction against erroneous discharge orders resting solely on the absence of public servant status.
  • Mandate requiring trial courts to evaluate discharge applications thoroughly on merits instead of technical standing alone.