Dr. Ram Lakhan Singh, an incumbent of Indian Forest Service (1969 Batch, U.P. Cadre), rendered services to Respondent State and Government of India in various positions for about 35 years till his retirement. The 2004 State Government got him arrested in a fake case. Dr. Singh spent 11 days in jail and fought a legal battle for 10 years.

SC in Dr. Ram Lakhan Singh v. State of Uttar Pradesh, [Writ Petition (Civil) No. 933 of 2014] held, through Gogoi and Ramana JJ, though there is no material indicating involvement of Chief Minister in initiating proceedings against Petitioner, it remains true that initiation of vigilance proceedings and statements made before High Court by Officers of Respondent State led to arrest of Petitioner causing great loss to him.

“Until and unless we maintain a fine balance between prosecuting a guilty officer and protecting an innocent officer from vexatious, frivolous and mala fide prosecution, it would be very difficult for a public servant to discharge his duties in free and fair manner… This Court time and again has extended assurance to honest and sincere officers to perform their duty in a free and fair manner towards achieving a better society… Normally, this Court is reluctant in determining or granting any compensation while exercising its jurisdiction under Article 32 of the Constitution… however, keeping in view peculiar facts and circumstances of this case and taking into consideration age and trauma suffered by Petitioner… we direct State of Uttar Pradesh to pay a lump sum of Rs. 10 Lakhs to Petitioner within a period of 3 months towards compensation.”