Allowed

Arun Sopan Banale v. the State of Maharashtra

Bombay HC10 Jun 2019APEAL/443/2009

Case brief

AI extract

What is this about?

The Criminal Appellate Court allowed an appeal against conviction under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The court held that the prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused demanded or accepted a bribe due to significant contradictions and omissions in witness testimonies and a defective sanction order. The appellant was acquitted.

What did the court decide?

The judgment and order convicting the appellant are quashed, and he is acquitted of the offences.

Arun Sopan Banale Vs the State of Maharashtra — Corruption | Bombay HC (2019)

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Seema 1/31 cri. app. no 443 of 2009.doc

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION

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CRIMINAL APPEAL NO.443 OF 2009

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Arun Sopan Banale .. Appellant Vs. State of Maharashtra .. Respondent

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Balvant Waman Kakade, Advocate for the Appellant. Mrs. Jyoti Lohokare, APP for the Respondent – State.

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CORAM :PRAKASH D. NAIK, J.

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Date of Reserving the Judgment : 4^th AUGUST, 2018. Date of Pronouncing the Judgment : 10^th JUNE, 2019.

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JUDGMENT :-

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The Appellant is convicted vide Judgment and order dated 31^st March, 2009 passed by the Special Judge under Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 in Special Case No. 17 of 2004. He is sentenced to suffer Simple Imprisonment for a period of six months and to pay a fine of Rs. 200/-. In default of payment of fine, he is directed to undergo further Simple imprisonment for a period of 10 days. The appellant is also convicted for offence punishable under Section 13 (1) (d) r/w Rule 13 (2) of

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Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. He is sentenced to suffer simple imprisonment for period of 1 year and to pay fine of Rs. 200/-. In default of payment of fine, he is directed to undergo further Simple imprisonment for a period of 10 days. Both these substantive sentenced were directed to run concurrently.

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The Appellant has preferred this Appeal challenging the aforesaid Judgment of conviction under Section 374 (2) of the

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Criminal Procedure Code.

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The Prosecution case is as follows :

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(a) In October, 2003, Accused was working as labourer in Brihan Mumbai Corporation, West Ward, Bandra (W). Firoz Ajij (PW 1) and Walmiki (PW2) were carrying on business of selling clothes as Hawkers on footpath opposite Shiv Mahal Hotel, MG Road, Near Santacruz West Railway Station. They were carrying their business without license.

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(b) On 22^nd October, 2003, at about 7.30 p.m., accused came

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near the business place of complainant (PW-1) and Walmiki More (PW-2). He asked them whether they were having license. Accused told them that he is an officer of Municipal Corporation and he would take strict action against them. At that time, accused told them that they would be required to pay every month of Rs. 500/- each, if action is not to be taken against them. When they expressed their inability to pay the amount, accused threatened that, if the amount is not paid, he would bring the vehicle and seize the entire goods. The Accused also threatened that he would repeatedly take action against them. PW-1 and PW2, reluctantly agreed to pay bribe of Rs. 500/- each to the accused. The Accused told the complainant that he should collect Rs. 500/- from PW-2 and he would come on the next day between 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the business place of the complainant.

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(c) The complainant was not willing to give bribe, hence PW-1 and PW-2 approached office of Anti Corruption Bureau and lodged the complaint.

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(d) The Assistant Commissioner of Police registered the F.I.R. Panchas were called. On instructions of PW-5, complainant produced cash amount of Rs. 1050/-, handkerchief, Railway ticket and purse. PW-3 took search of complainant and nothing was found. PW-5 took amount of Rs. 1,000/- for using it as trap money from the amount of Rs. 1,050/-. The amount of Rs. 1,000/- was in the denomination of currency note of Rs. 500/and five currency notes of Rs. 100/- each. The xerox of Rs. 1,000/- was taken in the presence of panchas. After giving demonstration of anthracene powder, the powder was applied to currency notes on both sides by cotton swab. The currency notes were examined below simple light and no glow of anthracene powder was found. When the currency note was examined below ultra violet rays, glow of anthracene powder was found on the currency notes. ASI Masurkar folded the currency notes and kept them in the right side pant pocket of the complainant. He was instructed not to touch the currency notes till the amount is demanded by the accused. The complainant was instructed to

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Seema 5/31 cri. app. no 443 of 2009.doc give signal by rolling his left hand on his head. PW-3 was instructed to remain present with the complainant. The second panch was instructed to remain present with the members of the trap team, to watch and listen the transaction. The hand and clothes of members of the trap team, the complainant and panchas were examined below ultra violet rays and no glow of anthracene powder was found. The Pre-trap Panchnama was recorded.

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(e) The complainant, panchas and members of the trap team went towards Santacruz bus terminus by Police van. PW-1 and PW-3 went by railway over bridge towards Santacruz west, Railway station near the business place of the complainant. PW-5, second Panch and the members of the trap team were following PW-1 and PW-3. At about 6.40 p.m., accused came near the business place of the complainant. Conversation took place between them in Hindi. The accused asked the complainant whether he has brought the money which was told to him. The complainant replied in affirmative, the accused demanded the

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money. The complainant told accused not to take away his articles as it was Diwali season and he is ready to give money to him. The accused said he would not take action against PW-1 and PW-2. The complainant handed over the amount to accused by his right hand which was accepted by the accused by his right hand and kept in his left hand and then in his left pant pocket.

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(f) The complainant gave signal and the members of the trap team rushed to accused and caught his hand near the wrist. Since the people started gathering at the spot, PW-5 decided to take accused to Santacruz Police Station for recording post trap panchnama. PW-5 prepared rough sketch and obtain signatures of panchas and counter signed it. The accused was taken to Santacruz Police Station in the same condition. He was instructed not to touch any other articles. The complainant was instructed to go out of the room. Before commencing the post trap panchnama hand and clothes of officers and members of the trap team were examined below ultra violet rays and no glow of anthracene powder was found.

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(g) PW-3 narrated the conversation between the complainant and the accused which was recorded in the post trap panchnama. The hand and clothes were examined below ultra violet rays and glow of anthracene powder was found on the fingers and palm and both the hands of accused. The glow was also found on the pocket of accused. The currency was removed from the pant pocket of the accused. On examining the currency, glow of anthracene powder was found on both the sides. Currency notes were sealed. Pant of the accused was sealed. Post trap panchnama was recorded. Investigation was completed. Sanction to prosecution was obtained and Charge-sheet was filed against the accused.

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The charge for offence under Sections 7, 13(1) (d) r/w 13 (2) was framed against the accused. He pleaded not guilty. The prosecution examined five witnesses. Statement of the accused was recorded under Section 313 of Criminal Procedure Code. The defence of the accused is that the complainant forcibly thrusted

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money in his hand and in the pant pocket. The accused did not demand any bribe from the complainant.

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PW No. 1, Firoz Ajij Khan is the Complainant. According to him he was carrying business of clothes on footpath near Santacruz west railway station. Walmiki More (PW-2) was carrying business of selling handkerchiefs near the said place. Both of them were carrying business without license for more than eight years. The officers from Municipal Corporation of Bandra West used to seize their goods and they used to get them released by making payment of penalty. On 22^nd October, 2003, he was present at the place of business. Walmiki More was also present with him. Accused came there and inquired as who was carrying the business. PW-1 replied that he was carrying this business. The said person also inquired whether they are having license. They replied that they don't have licenses. PW-1 further deposed that the accused told them in Hindi “Main Municipaltika sahab hu, Mai aapke upar kadi karwahi karnewala hu”. At that time the witnesses told him that from many years they are

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carrying this business, then why he is taking action against them. At that time, the Accused said that “Karwahi nahikarneka hain to aap dono ne mujko har mahine pachso pachso rupaiya harekne deneka hain”. At that time, the witnesses told him that they are small hawkers and cannot pay that much amount. The Accused stated that if the amount is not paid he would bring vehicle and take away the entire goods and the same would be seized. He would repeatedly take action against them. PW-1 and PW-2 told the accused that they would pay the amount but he should not take action against them. The Accused stated that he would come on the next day evening and they should make ready amount of Rs. 1,000/-. The Accused also told PW-1 that he should collect Rs. 500/- from Walmiki More and he has to keep the amount ready with him. On 23^rd October, 2003, PW-1 and PW-2, went to office of ACB at Worli. They lodged the complaint/F.I.R. Thereafter, panchas were called. Procedural formalities were completed. Requisite instructions were given to the panchas and the complainant. All of them sat in the vehicle. The Accused came at

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the place of incident. He inquired whether the complainant has brought the money. PW-1, informed that amount is arranged. The Accused demanded the same. The complainant handed over amount of Rs. 1,000/-, which was having anthracene powder. The accused accepted the money by his right hand and took in his left hand and kept the amount in the left side pant pocket. Signal was given to the raiding party. The accused was arrested. In the cross-examination, PW-1 has stated that he was carrying business at the said place since 7 to 8 years and did not want to leave that place of business. Walmiki More was also settled at the said place. Whenever vehicle of Corporation comes for the seizure of goods, they used to run away with the goods to avoid penalties and legal action. Whenever officers from Encroachment Department of Bombay Municipal Corporation used to come they were in group of six persons with one Supervisor and they used to directly lift the articles and take away articles. The officers of the Municipal Corporation come at any time for seizure of goods. Prior to 22^nd October, 2003, the officers of the Corporation had come and they

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have taken away the goods of Hawkers. The witnesses had fear and apprehension that at any time the officers of Municipal Corporation may come and seize the goods. He did not remember as to whether he stated before the police at the time of lodging complaint that accused told them that “Mai Municipality ka sahab hu”.

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PW-2 Walmiki More, had deposed that he was carrying business of selling Handkerchiefs at the spot of incident. PW-1 was also carrying his business at the said place. Both of them are not having licenses to sell the clothes. They were carrying business from last 7 to 8 years. On 22^nd October, 2003, accused came at the spot of business. He told them that he is from Encroachment Department of Bombay Municipal Corporation and also disclosed his name. The Accused made inquiry about the license with witnesses. They told him that they don't have licenses. The accused told them he would take action against them. The accused had conversation in Marathi with them and stated that “Tumchyawar action ghyaychi nasel tar tumi aani

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More, rupaye 500 prateki ashi mala dyayachi”. The witnesses told them they cannot give that much of amount. The Accused insisted for the amount if they want to continue their business otherwise he would take action against them. The accused asked them when they are going to pay the money and that that he would come tomorrow in the evening. Panchas were called. Instructions were given to them. All the formalities were completed. The accused accepted the amount and he was apprehended by the Police.

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In the Cross-examination PW-2 stated that he has stated before the police that he told to accused that they don't have money, he should come tomorrow in the evening. The said fact was not mentioned in his statement. He has given five currency notes of Rs. 1,000/- each to PW-1. He did not remember the serial of currency notes. He gave Rs. 500/- to the complainant in the office of ACB. He had stated that he went in the office of ACB alongwith PW-1 on 23^rd October, 2003 and he was present in the ACB office up to 3.30 p.m. and that he came alongwith complainant in the police vehicle at the place of business.

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However, the said fact was not appearing in his statement. He had also stated to the police that complainant was instructed to give signal by rolling his left hand on his head. The said fact is not appearing in the statement. The fact that he went to police station alongwith complainant is also not recorded in the police statement.

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PW-3, Vilas Nachane is the panch witness. On 23^rd October, 2003, he was called to act as panch alongwith Jadhav. He was told that complaint has been received and trap has been laid against accused. He narrated as to how the pre-trap panchnama was recorded. He further stated that raiding party proceeded to the spot. They reached the spot and waited for arrival of accused. The Accused came and had conversion with complainant. Conversation took place in Hindi language between them. The Accused inquired about money. Complainant stated that he has brought money. The Accused told him to give the amount. At that time, complainant told accused that he would give money, but he should not take away his goods, it’s a Diwali season. Accused

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replied that he should make payment of himself and rumalwala in the sum of one thousand and he would not pick up their goods. Complainant gave money to the Accused which was accepted by him. The complainant gave signal. Accused was apprehended. He was taken to Santacruz police station and anthracene powder was noticed on the currency notes, pant and hands of the accused.

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APP sought permission to put question to the witnesses to contradict PW-3 as per the Section 162 of the Criminal Procedure Code. Permission was granted. He was shown portion marked ‘A’ of his statement dated 25^th March, 2003, wherein it was stated that on instructions of ACP Gore, panchas examined the hands and clothes of police officers and constables below ultra violet rays and they did not find glow of anthracene powder. The witness admitted the content of portion marked ‘A’. In the Crossexamination, he stated that he did not remember the name of the Superior officer who called him. He cannot tell the name of the two officers of ACB who came to his office. Although, he stated before the police that two officers of ACB came to his office. The

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said fact is not appearing in his statement before the Police and Pre-trap Panchnama. He did not state before the police that ACP Shri Gore told them that the complaint is received and trap is laid against Arun Banale and said fact is also not mentioned in Pretrap Panchnama. PW-4 Karunchand Shrivastava is the Municipal Commissioner of Brihan Mumbai, Municipal Corporation. He is sanctioning authority. He granted sanction to prosecute accused. He came to the conclusion that there was Prima facie case against the accused. The complainant was doing business on footpath without license and accused demanded money from complainant for allowing him to carry business on footpath. In the crossexamination, he stated that Accused was appointed as labour in BMC on 01.11.1974. Since, the Accused was a labour, it was his duty to follow the instructions of his Superior and Supervisor. In BMC, there is team of six labourers headed by one Supervisor alongwith one van to lift the unlicensed material on encroached portion. Labourers lift the material on the instructions of supervisor. Superior and labourer may know whether the person

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is having hawking license. In the sanctioned order time and place in respect of duty of incident is not mentioned. In the sanctioned order it is not mentioned that the Accused demanded money from Walmiki More but that fact is mentioned in the F.I.R. In sanctioned order, place of incident dated 23^rd March, 2003 is not mentioned, but it is mentioned in the F.I.R. The accused is not vested power of taking legal action against hawkers carrying business without license on footpath. PW-5, Laxman Gore, was Assistant Commissioner of Police, Anti-Corruption Bureau, he conducted investigation. He recorded statements of witnesses. He filed Charge-sheet on 16^th March, 2004. In the cross-examination the omissions appearing in the evidence of other witnesses were proved.

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In the statement under Section 313 of Criminal Procedure Code, the accused stated that he did not accept the money. The complainant forcibly thrusted money in his pant pocket.

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The Trial Court after analyzing the evidence came to the

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conclusion that the defence of the accused is not probable and acceptable. The Prosecution has established beyond reasonable doubt, the fact that on 22^nd October, 2003, the accused demanded bribe of Rs. 1,000/- from the complainant and accepted the same on 23^rd October, 2003. The Accused was heard on point of sentence. He was convicted and sentenced as stated above.

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Learned Advocate for the Appellant submitted that there are contradictions, omissions, inconsistencies and improvement in the evidence of witnesses. However, the Trial Court has ignored them by observing that they are minor and not facal to the prosecution case. The witnesses were not able to reproduce the conversation. The appellant was mere employee who had to follow instructions of his Superiors and not authorized or having any power to negotiate with unlicensed hawkers. The defence of the accused was not appreciated in proper perspective. There was enmity between hawkers trade union and employees of corporation hence the possibility of false implications cannot be ruled out. The conversation between PW-1 and the Accused was

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in Hindi and whereas PW-2 stated that it was in Marathi. PW-1 has stated that, Police constable folded the currency notes and kept in his right side pant pocket which fact is not mentioned by PW-2. PW-1 has deposed that he alongwith panchas and police officers sat in the police van. PW-2 has stated that he came alongwith complainant in one vehicle. There was no valid sanction given by the sanctioning authority. The time and place in respect of incident of 22^nd October, 2003 is not mentioned. The fact that PW-2 was asked to give bribe of Rs. 500/- and the place of incident dated 23^rd October, 2003 was not mentioned in the sanctioned order. PW-5 has stated that he got xerox of Rs. 1,000/- in the presence of panchas. This fact is not disclosed by PW-1 and PW-2. It is further submitted that the demand and acceptance of bribe has not been proved beyond doubt.

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The Learned Advocate for the appellant relied upon the decision in the case of B. Jayaraj V/s State of Andhra Pradesh 1, Mukhtiar Singh V/s State of Punjab 2 and the decision of this Court

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1 2014 (13) SCC page 55

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2 2017 (8) SCC (136)

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in Dattatraya s/o Udaji Warkad V/s State of Maharashtra 3.

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Learned APP submitted that the Trial Court has assigned cogent reasons for convicting the appellant. The evidence of PW-1 and PW-2 establishes demand and acceptance of bribe. The independent witness have corroborated the case of the prosecution. The first Information report refers to demand. The amount was accepted. Anthracene powder was noticed on the currency notes, hands of the accused and the pant of the accused. There was no cross-examination on conversation between the accused and the witnesses. PW-2 and PW-3 has corroborated the version of PW-1. The omissions and contradictions were of minor nature which does not affect the prosecution case. There is no defect in the sanctioned order. Thus, the prosecution has established its case and accused was rightly convicted by the Trial Court. The decision of the Trial Court thus do not warrant interference by this Court.

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Having heard both the sides, I have also scrutinized the

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3 2018 ALL MR (CRI) 1305

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evidence of witnesses and the documents exhibited in the evidence. The prosecution case proceeds on the basis that the appellant is an employee of Bombay Municipal Corporation. The complainant and PW-2 are carrying out business on footpath as hawkers. They don't have license for conducting such business. They are conducting business at the same place since last 7 to 8 years without license. On 22^nd October, 2003, the Accused visited the spot of business. He told them he is working with corporation. He made inquiry whether they are having license. Accused had also told them he would take initiate action against them and to stop such action they should pay him Rs. 500/- each per month. The accused told them he would come on the next day i.e. 23^rd October, 2003 in evening to collect the amount. PW-1 and PW-2, reluctantly agreed to make the payment. They approached ACB Worli, complaint was lodged by PW-1. Trap was arranged. Panch witnesses were called. Currency notes with anthracene powder were arranged. Pre-trap Panchnama were recorded. The raiding party, PW-1 and PW-2 reach the spot of incident. Accused visited

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Seema 21/31 cri. app. no 443 of 2009.doc the place of incident, he demanded the money. Amount was given to him. Accused was apprehended on examining his Hand, currency notes anthracene powder below ultra violet rays. It was noticed that there was anthracene powder on the said articles. Accused was arrested and subsequently Charge-sheet filed.

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While analyzing the evidence of the witnesses, it is noticed that there are several omissions, improvements and contradictions in their evidence. The evidence as deposed by PW1 and PW-2 do not inspire confidence. From the evidence of PW1, it can be seen that he was conducting business without license from 7 to 8 years. Similarly, PW-2 was also conducting such business without license since last 7 to 8 years. According to PW-

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1 accused visited the place of business on 22^nd October, 2003 at about 7.30 p.m. and told him that he is an officer of Municipal Corporation and he would take action against them. Accused had conversation with him in Hindi. According to him he demanded money for not taking action. The Accused is employed with Municipal Corporation since last several years. In the Cross-

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examination PW-1 has stated that whenever the vehicle of the Corporation used to come for seizure of the goods they used to run away with goods to avoid penalty and legal action. Whenever officers of Encroachment Department of Bombay Municipal Corporation used to come in group of six persons with one supervisor they used to pick up articles and take away them. The Officers used to come at any time for seizure of goods. Even prior to 22^nd October, 2003, the officers had come and taken away goods of hawkers. The hawkers used to apprehend and were under fear that any time the officers of Municipal Corporation would come and seize the goods. Thus, it is difficult to believe that the accused who is working as labourer in the Municipal Corporation would come alone on 22^nd October, 2003 at about 7.30 p.m. to warn PW-1 and PW-2 of action and made demand of bribe. It is difficult to believe that the witness has succumb to the warning and demand of the accused. Every time, the action was initiated by the officers of corporation they used to come with the group of six persons with one Supervisor. The accused had never

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been part of the group which had earlier taken action against the hawkers. Even prior to 22^nd October, 2003, there was action of Municipal Corporation. Thus, the version of PW-1 and PW-2, appears to be doubtful. The fact that accused told PW-1 that, he is an officer from Municipality was not told to Police while lodging the complaint. PW No. 2 had deposed that the Accused gave his name and told them that he is working in Encroachment Department of Bombay Municipal Corporation. He also deposed that they told the accused that he should come on next day in the evening and that the accused told them that he would come to accept the money in the next day in the evening, this version of PW-2 is contradictory to PW-1. From his Cross-examination it was noticed that there were several omissions in his evidence. The fact that the witness told accused that they don’t have money and he should come on the next day in the evening, he went to the office of the ACB alongwith the complainant is not appearing in his statement before the police. The accused had conversation with them in Marathi whereas according to PW-1, the conversation

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was in Hindi. The evidence of PW-3 also indicates that there were several omissions. He did not state before the police that two officers of ACB came in his office. He did not state before the Police that Assistant Commissioner of Police told them that complaint is received and trap is being arranged against Arun Banale. The said fact is not mentioned in pre-trap Panchnama. He was not told the name of the Accused and place where they were required to go for trap till accused was apprehended. From the evidence of sanctioning authority PW-4, it is apparent that the accused was appointed as labour on 1^st January, 1974. PW-1 and PW-2 were not knowing that accused is person who has visited the spot as an employee of the Corporation at any point of time prior to 22^nd October, 2003. PW-4 has stated that he does not know whether prior to this case any case is registered against the accused. As labour, it was his duty to follow the instructions of Superiors and Supervisor. He also admitted that there is team of 6 persons headed by one Supervisor along with one van to lift articles on encroached portion. Labourers lift the material on

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instructions given by the Supervisor. Superior and labour may know whether the person is having selling license. PW-1 and PW2 stated that there were repeated actions by corporation and officers used to come in group of 6 persons and under instructions of supervisor, the goods were being lifted and the same were being released on giving penalty by the hawkers. The version of action against PW-1 and PW-2 and threat by accused who came alone was believed by them. This is not corroborated by any other hawker. There was dispute between the hawkers union and Municipal Corporation and therefore there is every possibility, that the accused have been falsely implicated in this case. Although, there is existence of anthracene powder on the currency notes, on the hands and the pant of the accused, the defence of the accused was that it was thrusted appears to be probable. It is pertinent to note that in the sanction order the time and place in respect to the incident of 22^nd October, 2003 is not mentioned. The Sanction order also did not mention that the amount was also demanded from Walmiki More (PW-2). These

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facts were mentioned in the F.I.R. The place of incident dated 23^rd October, 2003 is also not mentioned in the sanction order. The Accused was not vested with power of taking legal action against hawkers carrying business without license on footpath. The prosecution case proceeds on the basis that PW-1 and PW-2 were together when the accused were approached them on 22^nd October, 2003. The inquiry made with PW-1 and PW-2 by the Accused at the same time, PW-1 has stated entire conversation including of demand was in Hindi. PW-2 stated that conversation was in Marathi. According to PW-1, Accused stated that he would collect the amount on the next day and PW-2 has stated that the witness told the accused to collect the amount on next day. The prosecution case is that the demand was made from both the witnesses, however the sanction order is silent as regard demand from PW-2. Thus, there is doubt about the evidence of PW-1 and PW-2.

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The accused had allegedly visited the spot and demanded bribe with PW-1 and PW-2 who were together on 22.10.2003.

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PW-1 stated that accused told them “Main municipaltika sahab hun, main apke upar kadi karwahi karnewala hu”. Accused also stated that “Karvahi nahi karneka hain to aap dono ko mujko har mahine pachso rupaiya har ekne deneka hain”. Whereas PW-2 stated that accused told them by saying that “tumchavar action ghyachi nasel tar tumhi va Firoz Khan hyani dar mahinyala rupaye pach pachse mala lach dyachi”. Thus PW-1 has referred to conversation being made by accused is in Hindi and PW-2 have stated that it was in Marathi. The conversation referred to by PW2 is not translated versit reflected in evidence of PW-1 as statement made by accused have been mentioned by PW-2. Apart from that the deposition of PW-1 and PW-2 with regards to what had transpired on 22.10.2003 is contradictory to each other. Both have given different version although both of them were together. With reference to trap on 23.10.2003, PW-1 has deposed that, accused asked by saying “Maine jo hajar rupaiye bola tha woh tumhare pass jama huwa ke nahi”. PW-1 said “Ha sahab aapka paisa ho gaya hain”. Accused said “de do”. PW-1 told him

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Seema 28/31 cri. app. no 443 of 2009.doc “Diwalika time hai, mera dhanda sambhalo”. Accused said “sambhalunga aage bhi sambhalunga”. Whereas, PW-3 has deposed that, Accused averted complainant by saying “Namsaksar Sahab”. Complainant said “Namaskar Arun Sahab”. Accused asked by saying “Tumko Jo Hamne Paisa bola tha ek hajar rupaiya who laya hai kya”, complainant said “laya hain”. Accused said “Phir de do”. At that time complainant told accused that “Main tumko paisa deta hu mera mal mat uthana, Diwalika season hai”. The accused replied “Thik hai tumhar aur rumalwala more ka milke hajar rupaya dedo, tumara mal bhi uthaunga nahi aur tumko taklif nahi dunga”. Thereafter, complainant said “paisa deta hu sahab”. PW-2, however has stated that, on 23.10.2003 at about 7.00 to 7.30 p.m. accused came and demanded Rs. 1,000/form PW-1. Complainant took out money and gave it to accused. He has not referred conversation between accused and complainant. Thus, there is variation between version of withnesses about what had transpired on 23.10.2003. The demand has not been established beyond doubt. The veracity of

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evidence of PW-1 and PW-2 is under shadow of doubt.

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In the decision relied upon by the Learned Counsel for the appellant delivered in the case of B. Jayaraj V/s State of Andhra Pradesh (supra) it was held that it has to be proved beyond reasonable doubt that accused voluntarily accepted money knowing it to be bribe. In the absence of proof of demand for illegal gratification or use of corrupt or illegal means or abuse opposition for obtaining any valuable things or for gaining pecuniary advantage the offences do not stand established, mere possession and recovery of currency notes not sufficient to constitute the offence. The presumption under Section 20 can be drawn only after the demand and acceptance of illegal gratification is proved and such presumption if applicable only in respect of offence under Section 7 but not under Section 13 (1) (d) (i)(ii) of Prevention of Corruption Act. In the other decision relied upon by the Counsel for the appellant delivered by the Apex Court in the Mukhtiar Singh V/s State of Punjab (Supra) , it was observed that mere recovery of amount from person accused

¶90

Seema 30/31 cri. app. no 443 of 2009.doc of offence under Section 7 or 13 would not entail his conviction. In the case of Dattatraya s/o Udaji Warkad V/s State of Maharashtra (Supra) this court relied upon the aforesaid decisions and observed that conclusive and definite demand must be proved beyond reasonable doubt for constituting offence.

¶91

The evidence of the witnesses examined by the Prosecution suffers from doubt and cannot be accepted. The sanction order also suffers from infirmities. Considering the nature of the evidence, I do not find that the prosecution has established the charge against the accused beyond reasonable doubt and hence the accused is entitled for benefit of doubt. The conviction of the accused is required to be set aside.

¶92

ORDER

¶93

(i) Criminal Appeal No. 443 of 2009 is allowed.

¶94

(ii) The Judgment and order dated 31.03.2009 passed by the Special Judge (constituted under the Prevention of Corruption

¶95

Seema 31/31 cri. app. no 443 of 2009.doc Act, 1988) For Greater Bombay, Bombay Court in Special Case No. 17 of 2004 convicting the appellant for the offence punishable under Section 7 and Section 13 (1) (d) r/w 13(2) of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 is quashed and set aside and the appellant is acquitted of the offences.

¶96

(iii) Appeal stands disposed off.

¶97

( PRAKASH D. NAIK, J.)

Arun Sopan Banale v. the State of Maharashtra

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Arun Sopan Banale v. the State of Maharashtra

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