ORAL JUDGMENT

1. The present criminal appeal is filed by the accused challenging the judgment of conviction and order of sentence passed by the learned Sessions Court, whereby the appellant has been convicted for the offences punishable under Sections 7 & 13(1)(d) read with Section 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 , and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of two years.

2. The prosecution alleges that the complainant (PW2) was a social worker associated with an organization for the welfare of the handicapped. Two visually impaired individuals, PW6 and CW6, had approached the said organization seeking issuance of visibility defect certificates. The complainant (PW2) escorted them to the appellant, who was an ophthalmologist at the Government District Hospital, Navanagar, Bagalkot, and requested her to issue the required certificates.

3. It is alleged that the appellant demanded an illegal gratification of ₹2500 for issuing the said certificates. Upon being informed of this demand, a member of the organization advised the complainant to approach the Lokayukta Police. On the same day, at about 12:30 p.m., the complainant, accompanied by his associate,