Archive · 26 Jul 2026
Bombay HC Acquits Clerk in 29-Year-Old Bribery Case
A court clerk named Shailendra Bakare was accused of taking a bribe of Rs 500 in 1997.
He was convicted in 2003, but after 29 years, the Bombay High Court found that the prosecution did not prove that he actually demanded the bribe.
The court said that the prosecution's story had many contradictions and that the clerk's version—that the money was thrust into his pocket—could not be disproven.
Therefore, the court acquitted him and ordered the fine he paid to be refunded.
The Bombay High Court acquitted Shailendra Bakare, a former court clerk, in a 29-year-old bribery case.
The prosecution failed to prove the essential ingredient of demand for illegal gratification.
The court found serious inconsistencies in the prosecution's version, including contradictions in the timing of the complaint.
The defense argued that the complainant thrust the currency notes into the clerk's pocket.
The High Court quashed the conviction, acquitted Bakare, and directed the refund of the fine deposited by him.
- Who
- Shailendra Bakare, a former court clerk in Pune
- What
- Acquittal in a 29-year-old bribery case
- When
- July 25, 2026
- Where
- Bombay High Court, Mumbai
- Why
- Prosecution failed to prove the demand for illegal gratification
Prosecution
Defense
Proof of Demand
Prosecution
The prosecution claimed that the clerk demanded a bribe of Rs 500.
Defense
The defense argued that there was no proof of demand, and the money was thrust into the clerk's pocket.
Timing of the Complaint
Prosecution
The prosecution claimed the demand was made around 2.30 pm before the complainant approached the ACB.
Defense
The defense highlighted that the investigating officer admitted the complainant reached the ACB office between 10 am and 10.30 am, contradicting the prosecution's timeline.
- Case Year
- 1997
- Conviction Year
- 2003
- Acquittal Year
- 2026
- Bribe Amount
- Rs 500
- Court
- Bombay High Court
- Judge
- Justice N.J. Jamadar
- Act
- Prevention of Corruption Act