WILSON P. M. Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This petition seeking regular bail has been filed by the sole accused in V.C.No.23/2025 of VACB Ernakulam, registered, alleging commission of offence punishable under Sec. 7(a) of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018.

(2.) The prosecution allegation is that the accused was working as an Executive Engineer in the Edamalayar Irrigation Project. While so, on 15/10/2025, the complainant filed an application via online mode for getting a C-class contractor's licence. However, the licence was not issued, and as repeated enquiries did not yield any result, the complainant approached the office and met the accused. Then the accused, who was working as the Executive Engineer, demanded an amount of Rs.15,000.00 as illegal gratification for allowing the licence. Accordingly, on 1/12/2025, the complainant gave that amount to the accused, and at that time, the latter was caught red-handed with the said money by the vigilance team. Hence, the accused is alleged to have committed the above-mentioned offence.

(3.) I heard Smt. Divya C. Balan, the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and Sri. U. Jayakrishanan, the learned Public Prosecutor and perused the available records.