A. Karunanithi vs State 2025 INSC 967 - Prevention of Corruption Act

Prevention of Corruption Act - Section 7 and Sections 13(1)(d)(i) and (ii) - The prosecution has to prove the demand and acceptance of illegal gratification either by direct evidence which can be in the nature of oral evidence or documentary evidence or circumstantial evidence - To convict a person under the aforesaid provision demand and acceptance of illegal gratification is a sine qua non- in the absence of any allegation or evidence that an accused demanded bribe from the complainant or he was acting in connivence with co-accused, he cannot be prosecuted for the commission of the crime of demanding and receiving illegal gratification. (Para 14-15)