The Supreme Court has ruled that government officials (babus) accused in corruption cases cannot continue in office or seek anticipatory bail unless they are exonerated—essentially, they must clear their names fully before enjoying any legal protection or holding public post.

In its decision today, a bench led by Justice [Name] emphasized that under the Prevention of Corruption Act, accusations of graft cannot be treated lightly. Allowing an official to remain in office or granting anticipatory bail without demonstrating innocence would undermine the integrity of public service. The court dismissed a plea challenging a High Court’s denial of anticipatory bail to a government auditor in a graft investigation, underpinning its stance that public trust and a corruption-free bureaucracy are paramount

The judgment clarifies a critical principle: until a babus is exonerated—meaning formal charges are dropped or the court finds them not guilty—they are ineligible to seek anticipatory bail or continue in their role. This ensures bureaucrats are held to a higher standard from the moment allegations surface.

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