As per case facts, the State of Bihar challenged a High Court judgment that set aside confiscation proceedings against the respondent, whose husband, a public servant accused of accumulating disproportionate ... assets, passed away during the appeal. The High Court reasoned that there was no statutory provision to continue such proceedings after the public servant's death. The State contended that confiscation is not solely a criminal proceeding and can continue against non-public servants holding illegally acquired assets. The question arose whether confiscated properties in a close relative's name can remain confiscated with the State upon the public servant's death. Finally, the Supreme Court ruled that the death of the public servant does not automatically terminate confiscation proceedings against the spouse. The court emphasized that the special statute outlines specific conditions for property return, such as High Court modification or acquittal, and since the spouse was notified from the outset, the High Court must decide the appeal on its merits.