Presumption of innocence after acquittal bars indefinite suspension benefits denial despite a pending challenge to the acquittal.

Acquittal restored the presumption of innocence, and an appeal or revision against acquittal did not amount to a continuation of the trial or keep criminal proceedings pending for suspension-related service benefits. In the absence of any subsisting criminal proceeding after acquittal, the suspension could not be treated as justified merely because further challenge to the acquittal had been filed. The HC therefore answered the issue in favour of the employee and directed settlement of the suspension period and wages within the stipulated time.

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Issues: Whether an appeal against acquittal keeps criminal proceedings pending so as to justify withholding final settlement of suspension period and wages.

Analysis: The acquittal of the petitioner on corruption charges restored the presumption of innocence. An appeal or revision against acquittal does not amount to a continuation of the trial and, by itself, does not keep the criminal proceedings pending for the purpose of suspension-related service benefits. In the absence of any subsisting criminal proceeding after acquittal, the suspension based on those proceedings could not be treated as justified merely because an appeal had been filed.

Conclusion: The issue was answered in favour of the petitioner. The respondents were directed to settle the suspension period within the specified time and the writ petition was allowed to that extent.

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