JUDGMENT :

1. This appeal has been filed by the appellant – original accused under Section 374 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Code’) against the judgment and order of conviction in Special (ACB) Case No. 54 of 1997 passed by the learned Presiding Officer, 3rd Fast Track Court, Surat (hereinafter referred to as ‘the learned Trial Court’) on 15.10.2007, whereby, the learned Trial Court has convicted the respondent for the offences punishable under Sections 7, 13(1)(d) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (hereinafter referred to as ‘the P.C.Act’). That Special (ACB) No. 54 of 1997 was filed against the present appellant, who was the accused No.1 and accused Nos.2 and 3 were also charged along with the accused No.1 and by the impugned judgment and order, the learned Trial Court has convicted the present appellant – accused No.1 and has acquitted the accused Nos. 2 and 3 from the said offence and the appellant - accused No.1 and acquitted the co-accused are hereinafter referred to as ‘the accused’ as they stood in their rank and file in the original case for the sake of convenience, clarity and brevity.

2. The relevant facts leadin