After 30 years, SC acquits 2 accused of taking Rs 20 bribe

In a 30-year-old corruption case, the Supreme Court has acquitted two government employees accused of taking a Rs 20 bribe to issue an income certificate. The bench of Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Atul S Chandurkar found that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to convict the employees beyond reasonable doubt. The case originated when a clerk demanded Rs 120 for issuing the certificate, dividing the sum between himself and a peon.

The complainant claimed the Rs 20 bribe was given to the peon, who allegedly placed it in his pocket after receiving the certificate. However, the court noted that the demand for a bribe was a crucial element in convicting the accused, and no such demand was proven. The bench also considered the defense argument that the bribe was given to celebrate Eid, as the certificate was needed for that purpose.

The court ruled that the mere presence of a Rs 20 currency note with the accused is insufficient to uphold their conviction for the offence.