Proof of demand and acceptance in bribery cases failed, so the acquittal was not disturbed.

Proof of demand and acceptance of bribe was treated as essential to sustain a corruption conviction. On the evidence discussed, the Court found the prosecution had not established a reliable demand or acceptance of the alleged amount as illegal gratification for an official act. It accepted the High Court's assessment that the prosecution version did not justify interference, and the acquittal was left undisturbed because the case was not proved to the required standard.

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Issues: Whether the prosecution proved the demand and acceptance of bribe by the respondent so as to sustain conviction under the offences charged.

Analysis: The evidence was found insufficient to establish a reliable demand of bribe or the respondent's acceptance of the amount as illegal gratification for performing an official act. The Court accepted the High Court's assessment that the prosecution version did not warrant interference.

Conclusion: The prosecution case was not proved to the extent necessary to upset the acquittal, and the appeal failed.

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