Thiru. L.Mahilan, the Regional Manager, TAFCORN Villupuram (Appellant in CA 625/16) and Thiru. S.Krishnamoorthy (Appellant in CA 634/16) the Forest Ranger, Panruti Range were charged and tried under prevention of corruption Act, 1988 for demand and receipt of Rs 15,000/- and Rs 10,000/- respectively, as illegal gratification from one R. Rajalingam on 2.3.2011 to refund his caution deposit of Rs. 52,800/- made by him while participating in the tender held on 10.05.2010.

2. The respondent registered the complaint dated 2.03.2011 given by R.Rajalingam alleging that he participated in the auction held on 10.05.2010 for removal of barren cashew trees in plot No. 75 and 79 within Panruti Forest Range and declared as the successful bidder. He paid the entire bid amount along with caution deposit of Rs. 52,800/- which is refundable after the completion of the contract. When he completed the contract as per schedule by July, 2010 and sought for the refund of the caution deposit, it was delayed. On 24.01.2011, when he went to the Panruti Forest Range office and sought for the refund of security deposit, Thiru.Krishnamoorthy (A-2) and one Manoharan who were present at the Panruti For