Home Case Index All Cases Indian Laws Indian Laws + SC Indian Laws - 2015 (10) TMI SC This
Forgot password New User/ Regiser ⇒ Register to get Live Demo
2015 (10) TMI 2849 - SC - Indian LawsIllegal Gratification - plea of the accused was that target was fixed by the Department to collect contribution for purchase of National Savings Certificate and the amount that was given by the complainant was towards that only - HELD THAT:- The prosecution has not examined any other witness present at the time when the money was demanded by the accused and also when the money was allegedly handed-over to the accused by the complainant. The complainant himself had disowned his complaint and has turned hostile and there is no other evidence to prove that the accused had made any demand. In short there is no proof of the demand allegedly made by the accused. The only other material available is the recovery of the tainted currency notes from the possession of the accused. The possession is also admitted by the accused. It is settled law that mere possession and recovery of the currency notes from the accused without proof of demand will not bring home the offence Under Section 7, since demand of illegal gratification is sine-qua-non to constitute the said offence. The above also will be conclusive insofar as the offence Under Section 13(1)(d) is concerned as in the absence of any proof of demand for illegal gratification the use of corrupt or illegal means or abuse of position as a public servant to obtain any valuable thing or pecuniary advantage cannot be held to be established. It is only on proof of acceptance of illegal gratification that presumption can be drawn Under Section 20 of the Act that such gratification was received for doing or forbearing to do any official act. Unless there is proof of demand of illegal gratification proof of acceptance will not follow. In the present case the primary facts on the basis of which the legal presumption Under Section 20 can be drawn are wholly absent - the conviction of the Appellant Under Section 7 and under Section 13(1)(d) read with Section 13(2) of the Act and the sentences imposed are set aside and he is acquitted of the charges - Appeal allowed.
|