JAGTAR SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The appellant has challenged his conviction under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (for short 'the Act'). He was convicted by the Trial Court vide judgment dtd. 5/8/2005. His conviction was upheld by the High Court of Punjab and Haryana vide judgment dated March 2, 2010.

(2.) The facts, as are evident from the paper book, are that a demand of Rs.500.00 was made as illegal gratification and the appellant accepted a sum of Rs.300.00 for supplying copy of death certificate of Maghar Singh (deceased).

(3.) In the complaint, it was alleged that for getting the death certificate of Maghar Singh S/o. Hari Singh, who expired on 6/3/2003, Ranjit Singh, his son, requested his cousin Jit Singh to collect the same. On 17/10/2003, Jit Singh/complainant met the appellant in connection with supply of death certificate, who demanded Rs.500.00 as illegal gratification. Final settlement was for payment of Rs.300.00. As Ajit Singh was reluctant to pay the illegal gratification, he contacted Chamkaur Singh, Ex-Member Panchayat and on his suggestion went to the Office of DSP, Vigilance, Faridkot and got his statement recorded, on the basis of which FIR was registered. The complainant handed over three currency notes of Rs.100.00 each to the DSP, Vigilance, who after coating the same with phenolphthalein powder recorded their numbers in the memo and handed over the same again to Jit Singh. Chamkaur Singh was made the shadow witness. It was alleged that the appellant was arrested red-handed while accepting the illegal gratification.