S.K. ZUTSHI vs BIMAL DEBNATH

The Supreme Court addressed the applicability of Section 197 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, in a case involving allegations against Border Security Force personnel for demanding illegal gratification and committing theft. The Court held that the actions of the appellants were not linked to their official duties, thus Section 197 did not provide them protection. Consequently, the Court upheld the Additional Sessions Judge's decision to take cognizance of the offences under Sections 395, 447, and 506 IPC, affirming the legality of the proceedings against the appellants.