S.K. KALE vs STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

The Supreme Court overturned the conviction of the appellant under Section 5(1)(d) read with Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947, holding that the lower courts misapplied the burden of proof by placing it on the accused rather than the prosecution. The Court emphasized that the inferences drawn by the High Court were legally incorrect and did not support a conviction. Consequently, the Court acquitted the appellant, establishing that the prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.