( 1 ) THE appellant/accused has directed this appeal against the judgment and order of sentence dated 31. 1. 1996 passed by Special Judge and Additional Sessions Judge Mandleshwar in Spi. Criminal Case No. 1/95 thereby convicting the appellant for the offence punishment under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (for short, Tthe Actt) and sentencing him for 6 months rigorous imprisonment and fine of Rs. 500j. c: in default of payment of fine, further imprisonment for 15 days.

( 2 ) BRIEFLY stated the case of the prosecution is that on 20th December, 1988, the, accused/appellant was posted as SO at PS Karhi, District West Nimar, Khargone. On the aforesaid date, on the report of one Laxmisingh, crime No. 222/88 was registered against the complainant Omprakash (PW 1) and his father Dharamvir, at PS Karhi for the charge punishable under Sections 341, 294/34, IPC. It is stated that Omprakash (PW 1) and his father were called at PS Karhi for the payment on 29th December, 1988 and the accused/ appellant informed the complainant and his father about registration of the crime against them, at the same time, he stated that if the complainant pays him Rs. 500/