PC Act: Mere Recovery Of Currency Notes Insufficient For Conviction Without Proof Of Demand And Acceptance: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court reiterated that under the Prevention of Corruption Act, the mere recovery of tainted currency from an accused is not enough to convict unless the prosecution proves demand and acceptance of illegal gratification. The Court emphasized that proof of demand is the gravamen of the offence, and presumption under Section 20 can arise only after establishing demand and acceptance. The judgment protects against wrongful convictions based solely on possession of cash and reinforces that recovery without context cannot substitute for essential proof of guilt.