ORDER

This is a petition filed under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Code). The petitioner seeks to quash the final report in C.C.No.172 of 2022 pending before the Court of Enquiry Commissioner and Special Judge, Thrissur. That case was instituted alleging that the petitioner has committed offences punishable under Sections 7 and 13(1)(d) read with Section 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (PC Act).

2. The allegations in the final report are the following: Witness No.20, who is the father of witness No.1 (de facto complainant) submitted an application for getting a thandaper certificate in respect of his property comprised in Sy.Nos.748/2005 and 748/2006 in Valiyavalampathi Village, Palakkad. The petitioner was the Special Village Officer. He demanded Rs.3000/- as illegal gratification for issuance of the certificate. He has accordingly received Rs.3000/- at about 2.40 p.m. on 23.05.2018 at the said village office from the de facto complainant, who is the son of witness No.20.

3. A statement explaining the facts and circumstances of the case has been filed by the investigating officer.

4. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned