BHIM SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) A Bailiff working in the Court at Amritsar is accused of accepting an illegal gratification to do a work which he was obligated as per law to perform. He was caught red handed with the tainted money in a trap laid on the complaint made by the bribe giver. The Bailiff stands convicted for an offence under Section 7 read with Section 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act (for short "the Act"), for which he is sentenced to undergo RI for two years coupled with fine of Rs. 1,000/-. In default of payment of fine, he is required to undergo RI for two months. He has accordingly filed the present appeal to impugn his conviction and the sentence that has been imposed on him.

(2.) A general impression is that no legal work can be got done without paying the bribe. This impression may not be unjustified. It is becoming an uncontrollable menace and is almost become out of control. It is unacceptable in any form and by any one.

(3.) But corruption by a person working in the justice delivery system would be intolerable. Justice or its cause can not be permitted to be polluted. Such an act would require to be curbed with vengeance.