1. The appellant is the sole accused in Special Case No.4 of 2002 on the file of the learned Special Judge cum Chief Judicial Magistrate, Tuticorin.

2. The brief facts of the case leading to the filing of this appeal are as follows:

(i) Based on the complaint given by one Ramkumar, son of Velaiah Nadar alleging that the demand of Rs.200/- made by the accused Village Administrative Officer to issue certificate confirming that Chitraivel and Velaiah Nadar are one and the same person so as to enable the de facto complainant Ramkumar to get loan in Tamil Nadu Industrial Investment Corporation Limited (TIIC) for purchase of an auto-rickshaw, case was registered by the Department of Vigilance and Anti Corruption.

(ii) In the trap laid by the respondent police, the appellant was caught receiving Rs.200/- as illegal gratification on 14.07.2000 at 02.40 p.m. The de facto complainant, shadow witness and the chemical analysis report proved the fact of demand, acceptance and recovery of bribe money of Rs.200/-. The explanation offered by the accused that a sum of Rs.200/- is tendered by the de facto complainant towards payment of kist due payable by the de facto complainant, was found i