JUDGMENT :

V. SRISHANANDA, J.

1. Heard Sri Subhash Mallapur, learned counsel, for the appellant-Lokayukta and Sri Sharanagouda Patil and Sri Basavaraj Kareddy, learned counsels, for the respondents-accused.

2. This appeal by the Lokayukta challenging the order of acquittal in Special (Lok) Case No.13/2012 dated 10.03.2020 on the file of the Special Judge, Vijayapura.

3. Facts in the brief, which are utmost necessary for the disposal of the present appeal, are as under:

3.1 A charge-sheet came to be filed by the Lokayukta Police against the respondents-accused for the offences under Section 13 (1)(c) read with Section 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act (for short P.C. Act) and Sections 468 and 201 read Section 34 IPC.

3.2 The charge-sheet materials would disclose that the respondent Nos.1 to 4 being the public servants working as Executive Engineer, Assistant Executive Engineer, Assistant Engineer and Accounts Superintendent in Public Works Department, respectively, and accused No.5 being the Class-I Contractor colluded with each other and without carrying out the work of strengthening and asphalting the road from 36.5 kilometre to 47 kilometre on Devarahipparagi to Talikoti Road,