New Delhi: Observing that the discharge of an accused in a criminal case stands on a “better footing” than acquittal, the Supreme Court has held no disciplinary or administrative action can be initiated against a discharged person.Busting the myth that an accused, unless he is acquitted, carries the label of being accused, a bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and K V Viswanathan said that such an understanding of law is fallacious. “It is not the law that an accused, unless he is acquitted, must still carry the label on his forehead that he is accused of a criminal offence. Once an accused has been discharged, he is entitled to avail of all benefits that are otherwise available to an acquitted person and cannot be placed in a less advantageous position,” SC said.The court said a discharge is on a higher pedestal than an acquittal. “Acquittal is at the end of the trial process, maybe for a technicality or on benefit of doubt or (because) the prosecution could not prove the charge against the accused; but when an accused is discharged, it means that there are no materials to justify launch of a criminal trial against the accused. Once he is discharged, he is no longer an accused,” the bench said, while referring to SC’s previous verdict. “Discharge is a pre-trial termination of proceedings for lack of evidence. As and when ordered, discharge signifies and reinforces the position that there is no material against the accused for him to stand trial,” the SC bench said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123PhotostoriesExclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly5 Signs of high emotional intelligence that instantly set you apart from others5 things couples do before calling it quitsWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikPune Harassment NewsVaranasi Woman DeathLucknow Vikas Nagar Fire IncidentAmir HamzaUP Beggar MurderBengaluru Businessman NewsGurgaon Student SuicideGunika KhuranaJaisalmer Murder
New Delhi: Observing that the discharge of an accused in a criminal case stands on a “better footing” than acquittal, the Supreme Court has held no disciplinary or administrative action can be initiated against a discharged person.Busting the myth that an accused, unless he is acquitted, carries the label of being accused, a bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and K V Viswanathan said that such an understanding of law is fallacious. “It is not the law that an accused, unless he is acquitted, must still carry the label on his forehead that he is accused of a criminal offence. Once an accused has been discharged, he is entitled to avail of all benefits that are otherwise available to an acquitted person and cannot be placed in a less advantageous position,” SC said.The court said a discharge is on a higher pedestal than an acquittal. “Acquittal is at the end of the trial process, maybe for a technicality or on benefit of doubt or (because) the prosecution could not prove the charge against the accused; but when an accused is discharged, it means that there are no materials to justify launch of a criminal trial against the accused. Once he is discharged, he is no longer an accused,” the bench said, while referring to SC’s previous verdict. “Discharge is a pre-trial termination of proceedings for lack of evidence. As and when ordered, discharge signifies and reinforces the position that there is no material against the accused for him to stand trial,” the SC bench said.
