The Supreme Court has said, blanket protection given to top bureaucrats in graft cases appeared to be contrary to the objectives of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

A five-judge Constitution bench, headed by Justice RM Lodha, asked if the top bureaucrats gets protection from inquiry, who should face the rigour of law?

The apex court said why this special protection for a small band?

The bench repeatedly put the question to Additional Solicitor General L Nageshwar Rao who argued that it is necessary to protect top bureaucrats which includes Joint Secretary and above-ranked officials to work fearlessly.