India, March 8 -- Granting relief such as anticipatory bail to police officers accused of manipulating investigation sends a wrong signal to society as they perform a fiduciary duty to punish the guilty through a fair investigation, the Supreme Court has observed as it cancelled pre-arrest bail granted to the officer in 2022.

"The respondent cop is alleged to have failed in his fundamental duty as a police officer. This consideration must necessarily weigh in with the nature of the offences and the possible punishment thereof. Presumptions and other considerations applicable to a layperson facing criminal charges may not carry the same weight while dealing with a police officer who is alleged to have abused his office," a bench of justic...