Supreme Court: Stamp Vendors Are Public Servants Under Prevention of Corruption Act, Can Be Prosecuted for Bribery in Stamp Paper Sales

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that licensed stamp vendors qualify as “public servants” under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The court acquitted Aman Bhatia, a convicted stamp vendor, due to lack of evidence for bribe demand, emphasizing that public servant status is based on duty, not remuneration type.