<h1>Minister acquitted after 27-year trial over alleged 25% industrial electricity rebate causing Rs 4.52 crore loss (POCA, s.120B IPC)</h1> A special court acquitted a state minister of criminal charges alleging he improperly granted a 25% electricity tariff rebate to industrial units in 1998, causing an alleged loss of Rs 4.52 crore. The minister faced charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act and section 120B IPC after a complaint by a former opposition leader; he was arrested in 2001 and later granted bail. The prosecution survived high court and Supreme Court scrutiny, and the trial proceeded despite repeated applications for discharge and reinvestigation. The court had previously granted the accused permanent exemption from personal appearance; the acquittal concluded a 27-year prosecution.