MADHUKAR BHASKARRAO JOSHI vs STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

The Supreme Court held that under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947, once the prosecution establishes that a public servant accepted gratification, the court must presume it was for a corrupt motive unless proven trivial. The Court upheld the conviction of the public servant under Section 5(2) of the Act, affirming that the reduction of his sentence by the High Court was unauthorized. The Court restored the original sentence of one year rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs.5000, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of public service.