Jurisdiction of Assam Rifles Court in Corruption Cases: Supreme Court’s Clarification

The case of Union of India vs. Ranjit Kumar Saha & Anr. is a significant ruling concerning the jurisdiction of the Assam Rifles Court (GARC) in cases involving offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (PC Act). This case highlights the legal conflict between the special jurisdiction of military courts under the Assam Rifles Act, 2006, and the exclusive jurisdiction of special courts established under the PC Act. The Supreme Court’s ruling provides clarity on whether military personnel accused of corruption can be tried by the GARC or whether such cases must be heard by special judges under the PC Act.

The appeal arose from a sting operation conducted in 2014, which led to allegations of corruption within the Assam Rifles. A Court of Inquiry was set up, which resulted in charges being framed against the respondents under Section 7 of the PC Act. The case was referred to the GARC, but the respondents challenged its jurisdiction. The Gauhati High Court ruled in their favor, stating that only a special judge under the PC Act could try the case. The Union of India appealed this decision before the Supreme Court.

Background of the Case

The respondents, Ranjit Kumar Saha and another officer, were serving in Assam Rifles when a sting operation exposed corruption. A television channel and a news website reported the allegations, leading to an inquiry. The Assam Rifles Court (GARC) was convened to try them under the Assam Rifles Act, 2006, and the PC Act. However, the officers argued that their trial should be conducted by a special judge under the PC Act and not by a military court.

Petitioner’s Arguments

The Union of India, represented by the Additional Solicitor General, contended the following:

• Sections 55 and 56 of the Assam Rifles Act, 2006, allow the GARC to try any civil offence committed by its members.
• The definition of “civil offence” under Section 2(e) of the Assam Rifles Act includes all offences triable by a criminal court, making the PC Act applicable within the military court’s jurisdiction.
• Since the 2006 Act was enacted later than the PC Act, its provisions should prevail, allowing the GARC to try cases under the PC Act.
• The Assam Rifles, being a paramilitary force, should be granted similar exemptions as the Army, Navy, and Air Force under Section 25 of the PC Act.

Respondent’s Arguments

The respondents, represented by their counsel, argued the following:

• The PC Act specifically mandates that offences under it be tried only by special judges appointed by the Central or State Government.
• Section 25 of the PC Act provides exceptions for military forces such as the Army, Air Force, and Navy, but does not include the Assam Rifles, indicating that its members are subject to the PC Act.
• Since the GARC is not a special judge under the PC Act, it lacks jurisdiction over cases involving corruption under Section 7 of the PC Act.
• The High Court correctly ruled that the GARC cannot adjudicate corruption cases and that jurisdiction lies exclusively with special courts established under the PC Act.

Supreme Court’s Observations

The Supreme Court, consisting of Justices L. Nageswara Rao and M.R. Shah, analyzed the conflicting provisions of the Assam Rifles Act, 2006, and the PC Act. The Court examined whether the GARC could be treated as a competent court to try offences under the PC Act.

Key observations by the Court:

• Section 4 of the PC Act states that only a special judge can try offences under the Act.
• Section 55 of the Assam Rifles Act allows the GARC to try any “civil offence” committed by its personnel, which includes offences under the PC Act.
• Since the 2006 Act was enacted later than the PC Act, its provisions should be harmonized rather than presumed to override the PC Act.
• There is a strong presumption against repealing laws by implication. Both statutes should be interpreted in a manner that allows them to coexist.
• While the Assam Rifles Act is not explicitly mentioned in Section 25 of the PC Act, its provisions suggest that military court jurisdiction should remain intact unless explicitly excluded.

Critical Judgment Excerpt: “Since the objects of the two Statutes are different and as the applicability of the 2006 Act is restricted to the members of the Assam Rifles, following the aforementioned principles on the presumption against implied repeal, Section 4 of the PC Act and Section 55 of the 2006 Act, which are in apparent conflict, can be harmoniously construed. This is on the basis that there is no real conflict between the provisions of the two Statutes and they can run in parallel lines.”

Final Decision

The Supreme Court set aside the High Court’s ruling and held that the GARC does have the jurisdiction to try Assam Rifles personnel for offences under the PC Act. The Court ruled that:

• The GARC is competent to try offences under the PC Act as they fall under the category of “civil offences” as defined by the Assam Rifles Act.
• The PC Act does not expressly exclude the jurisdiction of military courts for paramilitary forces.
• There is no conflict between the two statutes that would warrant excluding military courts from handling corruption cases involving their personnel.

Implications of the Judgment

This ruling has significant implications for legal proceedings involving corruption cases within paramilitary forces:

• The decision ensures that corruption cases in Assam Rifles can be tried expeditiously within the military justice system.
• It affirms the authority of military courts to adjudicate civil offences committed by their personnel, reinforcing the special disciplinary framework applicable to armed forces.
• The ruling clarifies that special courts under the PC Act are not the only courts competent to try corruption cases involving paramilitary forces.

The Supreme Court’s decision in Union of India vs. Ranjit Kumar Saha reaffirms the principle that military courts can try their personnel for a broad range of offences, including those under special laws like the PC Act. The ruling balances the need for specialized military justice while upholding the framework of the anti-corruption law.

Petitioner Name: Union of India.
Respondent Name: Ranjit Kumar Saha & Anr..
Judgment By: Justice L. Nageswara Rao, Justice M.R. Shah.
Place Of Incident: Kamrup, Assam.
Judgment Date: 01-07-2019.

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