New Delhi, March 23 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 to be involved in demanding a bribe of Rs 24,000 from the complainant. Considering the aggravating and mitigating circumstances, this court believes that the ends of justice will 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 defense sought leniency, citing the convict's age of 62, lack of a previous criminal record, and medical conditions affecting both him and his wife. The defense 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 that sentencing required balancing aggravating and mitigating circumstances.
"The aggravating circumstance in this case is the nature of the offense, which impacts society at large. It also affects the economic interests and development of the country. The interests of society certainly need to be given precedence over individual interests," 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.
