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SC surprised by rodents destroying seized currency notes in Bihar corruption case
The Supreme Court expressed surprise that currency notes seized in a Bihar corruption case were destroyed by rodents due to poor storage. It called the destruction a huge revenue loss for the State and said the explanation offered was unconvincing, indicating it would review the issue when the main matter is heard. A February 2025 Patna High Court verdict had noted the destruction of seized notes in the same case.
Why It Matters
This raises questions about the handling and preservation of seized currency in corruption cases and potential financial and accountability implications for the State.
Timeline
2 Events
Supreme Court expresses surprise over currency notes destroyed by rodents (Apr 24, 2026)
April 24, 2026
A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and K V Viswanathan, while hearing the woman's plea challenging the High Court verdict, noted with surprise that the currency notes seized in the Bihar corruption case were destroyed by rodents. They described it as a 'huge revenue loss' for the State, remarked that the given explanation was not credible, and said the issue would be examined when the main matter is heard.
Patna High Court verdict notes currency notes destroyed due to poor storage (Feb 2025)
February 2025
The Patna High Court, in its verdict issued in February 2025, recorded that the seized currency notes were destroyed by rats and rodents due to the improper condition of the 'Malkhana' (storage facility) in the case involving a woman convicted of corruption.