In Brief
The widow of a deceased passport office clerk sought acquittal after her husband's conviction for demanding bribe from a passport applicant. The Supreme Court found that while a demand for gratification can be proved by circumstances even if the complainant turns hostile, the original complainant here did not support the prosecution's demand allegations during trial. The Court held that the accused's defense—that he was unaware extra currency notes had been added to the lawful Rs.1,000 passport fee—was plausible and should have been seriously considered. With no cogent proof of demand and a reasonable explanation from the accused, the Court set aside the conviction and acquitted him, applying the benefit of doubt.
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