Stamp Vendors as Public Servants Under the Prevention of Corruption Act: Supreme Court Clarifies Legal Position
By: Abhishek Jat, Advocate Introduction In a significant pronouncement, the Supreme Court of India has clarified the legal status of licensed stamp vendors, holding them to be "public servants" within the meaning of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (PC Act). This decision carries far-reaching implications for the regulation of stamp paper transactions and the accountability of individuals involved in such public functions. Factual Background The case arose from allegations that the appellant, a licensed stamp vendor in Delhi, demanded and accepted an excess amount of Rs. 2 over the face value of a Rs. 10 stamp paper. Following a complaint, the Anti-Corruption Branch conducted a trap operation, leading to the appellant's prosecution and subsequent conviction by the Trial Court under Sections 7 and 13(1)(d) read with Section 13(2) of the PC Act. The conviction was affirmed by the Delhi High Court, prompting the present appeal before the Supreme Court. Core...