New Delhi, Mar 23 (PTI) A court here on Monday sentenced a man to three years of rigorous imprisonment in a corruption case investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation after finding him guilty of demanding a bribe of Rs 24,000 from the complainant.
Special Judge Jyoti Kler awarded the minimum statutory sentence to the convict, Jagmal Singh, under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000, with a 30-day simple imprisonment in case of default.
“The convict was found involved in demanding a bribe of Rs 24,000 from the complainant. Considering the aggravating and mitigating circumstances, this court is of the considered view that the interest of justice shall be served by imposing the minimum punishment,” the court said in its order.
The prosecution had urged the court to impose the maximum punishment, arguing that corruption poses a serious threat to constitutional governance, democracy and economic stability.
However, the defence sought leniency, citing the convict’s age of 62, lack of previous criminal record and medical conditions affecting both him and his wife. The defence also submitted that his wife suffers from an eye disorder and is dependent on him for care.
While determining the quantum of punishment, the court said sentencing required balancing aggravating and mitigating circumstances.
“The aggravating circumstance in this case is the nature of offence which impacts the society at large. It also affects the economic interest and development of the country. Societal interest certainly is required to be given precedence over individual interest,” the court said.
Observing that the convict had demanded a bribe of Rs 24,000 from the complainant, the court held that imposing the minimum sentence would meet the ends of justice. PTI SKM DIV DIV
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