RULE. Rule is made returnable forthwith.

2. Heard finally by consent of both the parties.

3. The petitioner raises a challenge to the order dated 30.06.2022, by which the Special Court has rejected application Exh. 56 claiming discharge. The petitioner (accused/Talathi) was facing the prosecution for the offence punishable under Sections 7 , 13(1)(d), 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act (‘PC Act’). The petitioner has applied for discharge on account of invalid sanction to prosecute in terms of Section 19 of the PC Act, however the Trial Court has declined to discharge the petitioner. Hence, this petition.

4. The facts in brief are that the petitioner was appointed as a Talathi and posted in Khamgaon, District Buldana. The complainant’s father had purchased a piece of agricultural land in Khamgaon, Dist. Buldana. On 09.07.2015, the complainant met to the petitioner seeking to carry mutation entry on the basis of sale-deed. The petitioner has raised illegal demand of Rs. 2,000/- for taking mutation entry. The complainant was reluctant to pay the bribe and therefore, he has approached to the office of Anti Corruption Bureau. The complaint was recorded. Necessary procedure