K.K. JAYARAJ Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner herein is the accused in VC. No. 1/2022 of VACB, Alappuzha, for offence punishable under Sec. 7(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

(2.) The crux of the prosecution allegation is that, the petitioner, who was the Revenue Inspector in Municipal Office, Alappuzha demanded and accepted a bribe of Rs.500.00 (Rupees five hundred only) on 5/2/2022 and demanded a further sum of Rs.2000.00 (Rupees two thousand only) on 9/2/2022 from the defacto complainant, for changing the ownership of the residential building No. 1/89 to his wife's name. The defacto complainant laid a complaint to the Vigilance and in the course of allegedly accepting a sum of Rs.2000.00 (Rupees two thousand only) from the defacto complainant as bribe on 9/2/2022 at 3.20 pm at the Municipal Office, Alappuzha, the petitioner was arrested. After initial informalities, he was produced before the Magistrate on 10/2/2022 and was remanded. His bail application was rejected by the Enquiry Commissioner and Special Judge, Kottayam by order dtd. 17/2/2022 in Crl. M.P. 6/2022. Seeking bail, the petitioner has approached this court.

(3.) Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Senior Government Pleader.