PRAHLAD SINGH Vs. STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This appeal is directed against the judgment and order passed by the High Court of Madhya Pradesh at Indore in Criminal Revision No. 799 of 2003, dated 27.02.2008. By the impugned judgment and order, the High Court has confirmed the order of conviction and sentence passed by the Additional Sessions Judge, Indore for the offence punishable Under Section 409 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (for short, "the Indian Penal Code"). The brief facts of the prosecution case are that the Appellant was the Sarpanch in Gram Panchayat, Chhittoraha. He was awarded funds amounting to Rs. 20,742/- by the Block Development Officer, Sanwer for the execution of certain works in the village including excavation and repair of wells and repair of school building. A works contract was executed which stipulated that the work must be completed within a period of one year and that if any terms and conditions of the contract were violated, the amount awarded to the Sarpanch would be recovered from him as arrears of land revenue. The Appellant was unable to complete the work undertaken within the stipulated period. He neither sought extension of time for completion of the work, nor returned the funds awarded. Upon inspection by the Sub-Engineer, Sanwer, it was found that work valued at Rs. 7,500/- only was completed. Thereafter a First Information Report was registered against the Appellant for the offences punishable Under Sections 409 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code.

(2.) Upon completion of the investigation, a chargesheet was filed against the Appellant. Thereafter, the Appellant appeared before the Trial Court and after both sides were heard, charges were framed against the Appellant for the offence punishable Under Section 409 of the Indian Penal Code. The charges were read over and explained to the Appellant who pleaded not guilty. Accordingly, the case was committed to Trial.

(3.) In order to substantiate the charges framed against the Appellant, the prosecution examined a number of witnesses, including the Block Development Officer, Sanwer and the Sub-Engineer, Sanwer. The prosecution also submitted number of documents including the original works contract. After the completion of prosecution evidence, the statement of the Appellant was recorded Under Section 313 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (for short, "the Code") and thereafter two witnesses were examined in defense evidence.