The Supreme Court has acquitted a former Jharkhand education official of corruption charges, ruling that recovery of marked currency cannot replace proof that a bribe was demanded and knowingly accepted.
In Ajit Kumar v State of Jharkhand, decided on 5 October 2026, the appellant challenged convictions under Sections 7 and 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act. He had already completed the four-year sentence and paid the fine but pursued the appeal to clear his name.
The prosecution alleged that the official sought ₹5,000 to release an orderly’s salary. The Court found material contradictions surrounding the alleged demand, trap and recovery. It reiterated that demand and voluntary acceptance are indispensable facts; possession of tainted notes alone is insufficient.
Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Atul S Chandurkar held that the prosecution had failed to establish either element beyond reasonable doubt. They set aside the trial court and Jharkhand High Court judgments and declared the appellant cleared of the charges.