ORAL JUDGMENT

1. The appellant has preferred this appeal challenging the judgment of conviction and order of sentence passed by the trial court, wherein he has been convicted for the offences punishable under Sections 7 and 13(1)(d) read with Section 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act , 1988 and sentenced to undergo imprisonment for a period of one year.

2. The prosecution alleges that a complaint was registered against the son of the complainant. In connection with the said complaint, the complainant approached the accused, who was serving as a Head Constable, for assistance. It is alleged that the accused demanded an illegal gratification of Rs.2,000/- from the complainant for converting the criminal case into a petty case. The complainant agreed to pay the bribe in the future, upon which the accused issued a challan for depositing the required amount before the jurisdictional court.

3. Subsequently, the complainant approached the Lokayukta Police, alleging that the accused had demanded a bribe. However, since there was insufficient evidence to substantiate the allegation at that stage, the complainant was provided with a voice recorder to capture any incriminating conversa