In Brief
The appellant challenged his conviction by the Special Court for Prevention of Corruption, Coimbatore, in a High Court criminal appeal. The High Court decided the matter on merits after discussing only the prosecution's evidence, without hearing the appellant's counsel, who failed to appear due to repeated adjournments. The Supreme Court set aside the High Court's judgment, finding that natural justice required the appellant be heard on the defence case. The Court allowed the appeal and remitted the matter to the High Court for fresh hearing in the interests of justice, subject to the appellant paying costs of ₹25,000 to a government school, and declared that the interim suspension order would remain in effect until final disposal."
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