In Brief
The respondent, acquitted on benefit of doubt in a serious criminal case involving murder, grievous hurt and wrongful restraint charges, applied for recruitment as a constable in Rajasthan Police. Although acquitted, he was disqualified under regulations requiring candidates to have clean antecedents and honourable acquittals. The High Court allowed his petition, but the Supreme Court reversed this. The Court held that acquittal based on benefit of doubt in serious offences does not entitle appointment to police service. Clean antecedents and character are essential prerequisites. Administrative circulars cannot override settled judicial principles on eligibility for sensitive public posts. The appellant's disqualification order was upheld."
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