- (1.) The applicant-gram panchayat of village Rampur Haler has filed this application under Section 378(4) Cr.P.C. seeking leave to file an appeal against judgment dated 31.10.2007, acquitting respondent Nos.1 to 5 of the charges framed against them.
(2.) The above accused/respondents were summoned to face trial under Section 409 IPC and Section 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. As per FIR No.57 dated 20.9.2000, it was allegation against respondent Nos.1 to 5 that they had embezzled / siphoned a sum of Rs.16,16,444/- out of the total funds released to the gram panchayat for development works in the village (for construction of streets, drains etc.).
(3.) The offence was alleged to have been committed between 1.9.1988 and 18.8.2000. It was further allegation against them that they had spent the amount without obtaining any technical guidance from the concerned officer and before spending the amount, administrative approval was not obtained. It was also alleged that on an assessment of the work done through Executive Engineer, Panchayati Raj, Hoshiarpur, the above embezzlement came into light.;