Disciplinary Action Quashed After Criminal Court Acquittal on Identity of Evidence Principle: Orissa High Court

The Orissa High Court delivered a significant judgment clarifying the legal position regarding departmental proceedings after acquittal in a criminal case. The Court held that when both proceedings are based on identical evidence and the criminal court acquits the accused on merits, the departmental action cannot survive. Background of the Case The case involved a police constable, Bansidhara Bariki, who was accused in a criminal case under the Narcotic Drugs…