In Brief
Dr. Partap Singh Verka, a public servant doctor, was accused of demanding and receiving bribes. Although initially not named in the chargesheet, the trial court allowed an application under Section 319 of the Criminal Procedure Code to summon him as an accused. The High Court set aside this order, finding that prior sanction under Section 19 of the Prevention of Corruption Act was mandatory but had not been obtained. The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision, holding that Section 19's sanction requirement is absolute and mandatory for all corruption offences against public servants, and cannot be bypassed even when invoking Section 319 of the CrPC.
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