1. This appeal is preferred by the State against the order of acquittal rendered by the learned Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Special Judge, Chengalpattu in Special Case No.4 of 2003, dated 03.06.2008.

2. The case of the prosecution is that Mr. P.L. Muthappan sought for transfer of patta in respect of his property at Melakottaiyur Village. When his accountant Mr. Manimaran approached the second respondent [R. Devadoss], who was Village Administrative Officer of the concerned village, 2nd respondent had told Mr. Manimaran to approach Zonal Deputy Tahsildar Mr. Raghunathan, who is the first respondent herein. Accordingly Mr.Manimaran met Raghunathan, who demanded bribe to effect patta transfer. Since the partition between brothers of Mr. P.L. Muthappan was not registered, to get over the same Mr. Raghunathan had demanded Rs.10,000/- as gratification to transfer the patta in the name of Mr. P.L. Muthappan. The demand of Rs.10,000/- was made when Mr. P.L. Muthappan and his wife Mrs. Chitradevi met Mr. Raghunathan at his house on 04.08.2001 and later, Mr. Raghunathan has reduced the bribe amount by Rs.2,000/-. On 22.08.2001 Mr. P.L. Muthappan contacted Mr. Raghunathan over phon