MC clerk gets 3 years in jail for taking bribe

Corruption a form of misconduct by public servant, says CBI Judge

* Had taken money from fireman

Sudhir Singh, a clerk, was caught while taking a bribe of Rs 3,000. He had demanded the bribe from a fireman for clearing medical bills of his mother, who had undergone a cataract operation. However, the sentence awarded to the convict was suspended for a period of 30 days subject to his furnishing a bail bond in the sum of Rs 50,000 with one surety in the like amount.

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 5

“Corruption is a form of misconduct by public servants in which they abuse their power for personal gain. It is a challenge to public interest, cohesion of department policies, human rights and legal violations involving serious consequences. Public servants have several opportunities to gain personally from their status and authority.”

Stating this, Sushil Kumar Garg, Special Judge, CBI court, awarded three-year jail term to a municipal employee, Sudhir Singh, for taking a bribe. Sudhir, a clerk, was caught while taking a bribe of Rs 3,000.

He had demanded the bribe from a fireman for clearing medical bills of his mother, who had undergone a cataract operation.

The bills amounted to Rs 17,000. The CBI had registered a case after the fireman approached it on October 17, 2013.

Following this, a raid was conducted on the MC office and Sudhir was caught while taking the bribe. The CBI had seized files pertaining to the case. After a number of hearings, Sudhir was held guilty and convicted of committing offences punishable under Sections 7 and 13 (2) read with Section 13 (1) (d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

Counsel for the accused pleaded for leniency as he was physically challenged and had old parents. There was no one to look after his old parents and minor son. He was the sole breadwinner of his family.

On the other hand, the public prosecutor said he did not deserve any leniency. The orders stated that the accused accepted a bribe from the complainant by abusing his official position. Therefore, he was held guilty. In the orders, the Judge pronounced imprisonment for three years. However, the sentence awarded to the convict was suspended for a period of 30 days subject to his furnishing a bail bond in the sum of Rs 50,000 with one surety in the like amount.