JUDGMENT :

1. This appeal is preferred under Section 374(2) of Cr.P.C. challenging the conviction and sentence imposed in C.C.No.27 of 2001 by the Additional Special Judge for SPE & ACB Cases, City Civil Court, Hyderabad.

2. Originally, the accused officer, who was working as Work Inspector in Singanamala Section of A.P. Housing Corporation, was tried for the offences punishable under Sections 7 & 13(1)(d) read with Section 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Vide its judgment dated 31st August, 2006, the learned Special Judge convicted the accused officer under both the counts and sentenced him to suffer rigorous imprisonment for a period of one year and to pay a fine of Rs.500/-, in default, to suffer simple imprisonment for three months under each of the count. The substantive sentences of imprisonment were directed to run concurrently.

3. The substance of the charge against the accused is that on 12.10.2000, the accused, who was working as Work Inspector, demanded and accepted a sum of Rs.500/-as illegal gratification, from P.W.1 for sanctioning the pending bill amount of Rs.4,500/-, spent towards construction of house sanctioned to P.W.6.

4. The facts, as culled out from th