New Delhi, June 17, 2025:

The Supreme Court of India has granted anticipatory bail to a retired judicial officer from Nagaland who is facing serious allegations of misappropriating bail surety amounts during his tenure. The bench, comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, delivered the order while hearing the former judge’s plea challenging the High Court’s refusal to grant pre-arrest protection.

 

The former judge is under investigation for alleged financial irregularities involving diversion of bail surety deposits worth several lakhs of rupees collected in various criminal cases. The charges invoked include Sections 409 (criminal breach of trust by public servant) and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code.

 

The bench, while granting relief, observed that although the allegations are grave and concern a breach of judicial trust, custodial interrogation was not warranted at this stage. The Court emphasized that cooperation with the investigation would be a mandatory condition for the continuance of bail.

 

“Judicial integrity is the cornerstone of public confidence in the legal system. Allegations of financial impropriety, especially against a judicial officer, require a fair but firm approach,” the bench noted.

 

The anticipatory bail was allowed with strict conditions:

• The accused must surrender his passport;

• Refrain from influencing any witness or tampering with evidence;

• Report regularly to investigating authorities;

• Ensure full cooperation during the probe.

 

The matter had reached the apex court after the Gauhati High Court rejected the former judge’s bail application, citing the seriousness of the offence.

 

The case is being probed by the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Unit of Nagaland, which initiated the inquiry based on financial audit irregularities flagged by the judiciary’s administrative wing.

 

Legal experts have called the case a reminder of the importance of transparency and fiscal accountability in the judiciary, particularly in subordinate courts where court officers handle public funds regularly.