(1.) Petitioner who is arraigned as accused No.1 has filed this petition under Sec. 482 of Cr.P.C, with a prayer to quash the criminal proceedings initiated against him in Cr.No.11/2018 of Erstwhile Anti Corruption Bureau (Now Lokayukta Police) for the offences punishable under Ss. 7(a), 7(A) and 12 of Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018.
(2.) Petitioner is seeking quashing of criminal proceedings initiated against him contending that he is working as Sub-Registrar, Haveri. The case in question is registered against him alleging that there is large scale corruption activity in his office. However, no specific complaint is lodged against him. The above crime is registered based on the report given by the Investigating Officer in his official capacity. A search was conducted in his office on 16/11/2018. However, only a sum of Rs.110.00 was recovered from his person, the possession of which he has satisfactorily explained. No trap was held. None of the ingredients of Ss. 7(a), 7(A) and 12 of Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018 are attracted.
(3.) In support of his arguments, learned Senior counsel for petitioner has relied upon the following decisions: