JUDGMENT :

1. By this appeal, the appellant (the accused) has challenged judgment and order of conviction and sentence dated 25.4.2005 passed by learned Special Judge, Akola in Special Case No.4/1998 whereby the accused is convicted for offences punishable under Sections 7 and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (the said Act).

For offence under Section 7 of the said Act, the accused is sentenced to suffer rigorous imprisonment for six months and to pay fine Rs.500/-, in default, to suffer simple imprisonment for two months.

For offence under Section 13(2) of the said Act, the accused is sentenced to suffer rigorous imprisonment for one year and to pay fine Rs.500, in default, to suffer simple imprisonment for two months.

2. Brief facts of the prosecution case emerges as under:

Keshavrao Ghatage, is complainant and an agriculturist by profession. The accused, at the material time, was serving as Sub Register, Barshitakli, district Akola. On 15.10.1997, the complainant visited office of the Sub Register for execution of Sale Deed of land which he was intending to purchase from one Sitaram Mahadeorao Ghonge. He enquired with one stamp vendor viz. Ismail as to expenses of the s