1. This State appeal is directed against the judgment of acquittal recorded by learned Special Judge, Chamba dated February 21, 2003.

2. It appears, respondent Sukhdev Singh, hereinafter referred to as "the accused", was tried by the learned Special Judge, Chamba under Section 7 read with S. 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 ("Act" for short) and was acquitted by the impugned judgment. Prosecution case :

3. Accused Sukhdev Singh was posted as Block Development Officer, Mehla in the District of Chamba in the year 1997. Chain Lal Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Gagla was awarded two works by the Block Development Officer, Mehla, i.e. : (a) Construction of Government Primary School, Gagla and (b) Construction of School at Kuran, in Gram Panchayat, Gagla. Complainant executed both the works but he was not released final payment(s) of the two works. Rupees 14,000/- were due in respect of the work of construction of School building and rupees 20,400/- in respect of the construction of Kuhal. Complainant Chain Lal met the accused for the release of the amount due to him. Accused demanded rupees 2000/- as illegal gratification for releasing the amount to the complainant. On J