(1.) This is an appeal impugning an order and judgment dated 24-11-2003, passed by the Court of Special Judge, Pune, acquitting respondent (accused) of the offence punishable under Sections 7 and 13 (2) read with Section 13(1)(d) of Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 (P.C. Act 1988).
(2.) As none appeared for respondent, this court appointed Mr. Anuj Desai as Amicus Curaie. Before I proceed with the case, I must express my appreciation for the assistance rendered and endeavour put forth by Mr. Desai, learned Amicus Curiae, for it has been of immense value in rendering the judgment.
(3.) Accused is alleged to have taken illegal gratification of Rs.1300/- on 21-1-1995. I do not wish to go into other details because one of the grounds apart from the merits, which the Trial Court considered while acquitting accused, was the issue of sanction. The Trial Court concluded that the sanction order Exhibit 24 was not legal and valid. If that was the conclusion arrived at, the court need not have gone into the merits of the case.