Mr. Verma Judge- The State has preferred the present appeal against the judgment dated 22.03.1996 passed by the learned Special Judge (Forest), Shimla, whereby the respondent accused (hereinafter referred to as the accused) has been acquitted of the charge under section 5(i)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act punishable under Section 5(2) of the said Act now corresponding to section 13 (1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (here-in-after referred to as the Act) and section 325 of the Indian Penal Code.

2. Case of the prosecution, in brief, is that on 16.07.1993 when the accused was investigating case FIR No.95/93 under section 430 I.P.C. registered at Police Station, Jubbal on the instigation of some interested persons severely beat up Hukam Chand resulting in the fracture of his colour bone and piercing of his ear drum. When Chamo Devi (PW-8) mother of Hukam Chand (PW-6) pleaded for mercy and to spare said Hukam Chand the accused demanded a sum of Rs. 10,000/- as illegal gratification to spare said Hukam Chand (PW-6). Chamo Devi (PW-8) paid a sum of Rs.10,000/ - to the accused who in turn asked Chamo Devi not to report the matter to the police and to keep qu