In Brief
BSNL and officers originally appointed to the Indian Telecommunication Service sought protection from prosecution under Section 197 Cr.P.C., claiming public servant status. Some officers had been absorbed into the corporation from Central Civil Services; others were on deputation. The Supreme Court held that absorbed employees lose their public servant status and are not entitled to Section 197 protection. For an officer still on deputation, the question was left open pending trial evidence. The Court also directed expedited trial completion within one year, noting the case had remained pending since 2003.
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