India, Feb. 6 -- The Orissa high court has quashed a criminal case against a man who received the Rs.17.72 lakh compensation for land acquired by the authorities from his namesake in 2011, observing that the fact he readily returned the money after the error was pointed out reflected "his honesty and sense of ethical responsibility".

"In legal and moral context, such action strengthens trust and shows that person has no intention of wrongful gain. Even in Bhagavad Gita, it is said "Realisation guilt followed by sincere repentance and devotion leads to redemption and peace," justice Sibo Sankar Mishra said in his 15-page verdict delivered on January 29.

Justice Mishra discharged Arun Kumar Mohanty, a security officer in a state-run publi...