Let's say there is a Switching regulator which is powering a DC motor. The output of the regulator has few capacitors for filtering the noise and to handle sudden dips in voltage when load is applied. I want to know if the capacitors can discharge through the motor if the regulator is turned off?

 

Yes if the motor is connected directly - ie it is always running when the regulator is active. But not if there is some break in the circuit between it an the motor, such as a mosfet, relay switch etc.

 

Unless it is a very small DC motor, a switcher isn't usually advised to be used on a brushed motor. A linear supply is the advised power supply for most motors.