In Brief
A licensed stamp vendor was convicted of bribery under the Prevention of Corruption Act for allegedly demanding Rs. 12 instead of Rs. 10 for a stamp paper. The Supreme Court held that stamp vendors are public servants (as they perform public duty and receive remuneration through discounts under state rules), affirming the High Court's reasoning. However, the Court set aside the conviction because the prosecution failed to prove demand and acceptance of the bribe beyond reasonable doubt. Key panch witness testimony was inconsistent—he could not recollect whether the vendor had demanded the excess amount. Mere recovery of tainted currency notes, without proof of demand, was insufficient to establish the offence.
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