STATE OF H P Vs. SUKH RAM

JUDGEMENT

(1.) State has appealed against the judgment, dated 30.6.2007, whereby respondents Sukh Ram, Balbir Singh and Arun Kumar Sood, who were tried for offences, under Sections 409, 467. 468, 471, 120-B, 420, IPC and Section 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, have been acquitted.

(2.) Respondents were sent up for trial by the State, on the allegations that during the year 1984, there was a scheme of the Government for providing loans at cheaper interest rates to poor persons for purchase of buffaloes, running small businesses, for development of land etc. Loans used to be disbursed by the bank, on the recommendation of Block Development Officer.

(3.) Respondent Balbir Singh was working as Block Development Officer, Kunihar. Respondent Sukh Ram was employed as a Gram Sewak, under him. In the year 1984, applications, in the names of several persons, including PW-5 Nathu Ram and PW7 Kirpu, were submitted to respondent Balbir Singh, in his capacity as Block Development Officer, by respondent Sukh Ram, who was Gram Sewak. As per those applications, the two witnesses had applied for grant of loan, under the aforesaid scheme. Loans were sanctioned by respondent Balbir Singh, in his capacity as BDO and sanction order was sent to respondent No.3 Aran Kumar Sood in his capacity, as Branch Manager, UCO Bank, Darlaghat, for making payment to the above named two witnesses. Documents, like agreements, guarantee deed etc. for repayment of loan, were executed in the name of the aforesaid two witnesses and the loans were disbursed.