Punishment on Sub-Inspector Set Aside after ‘Deemed Guilt Rule’ Held Unconstitutional; Disciplinary Action Found Prejudged: Patna High Court
The Patna High Court delivered a landmark judgment protecting procedural fairness for police officers facing disciplinary action under Bihar’s liquor prohibition regime. The court examined whether harsh departmental penalties can be imposed merely on presumption, without proof of negligence or connivance. The ruling came in the case of Bhola Kumar Singh, a Sub-Inspector of Police, who was punished after a large seizure of illicit liquor near his police station. Background…