THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA Vs. PRAKASH NATHU PAWAR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is an appeal impugning an order and judgment dated 29.8.2003 passed by the Special Judge (Prevention of Corruption Act) Thane, acquitting respondent of offences punishable under Sections 7 (Offence relating to public servant being bribed), 13(1)(d) and 13(2) (Criminal misconduct by a public servant) of Prevention of Corruption Act 1988.

(2.) The prosecution's case in brief is that one Riyaz Ahmed Khan resident of Mumbra who is PW-1-complainant and carries on business at Kalwa, had applied for license of revolver/pistol on 2.9.2000. The application was sent to the office of Police Commissioner which ultimately came to Mumbra Police station for preliminary inquiry. The application was entrusted to accused for making inquiry. It is alleged that accused had recorded statement of PW-1 complainant and on the next date he called PW-1 to his office at Mumbra police station and demanded a sum of Rs.15,000/- for sending favourable report. PW-1 was told by accused that if this amount is not paid, the work could not be done and accused would send a report recommending refusal to issue license.

(3.) It is alleged that on 22.2.2001 accused called PW-1 Riyaz Khan to his office and informed him that his application for license was refused and further told him had he given amount of Rs.15,000/- that he had demanded, his application would have been allowed. Accused advised PW-1 to file an appeal in Mantralaya and also to file fresh application, and he would look into it. Therefore, in April-2001, PW-1 Riyaz Khan filed a fresh application with Police Commissioner Thane. Thereafter for 10 days before filing of the FIR, on 16.5.2001 accused called PW-1 informing him that his application had come to him for inquiry and therefore, PW-1 went to accused and his statement was recorded by some constable and copies of documents were taken and PW-1 was allowed to go back. Two days later, accused once again called PW-1 to Mumbra police station and after some discussion told PW-1 that an amount of Rs.8000/- has to be paid which has to be handed over to his superiors and unless that is done, accused will not send a favourable report. Despite PW-1's request, accused refused to reduce the amount.