Acts and Sections:

• Constitution of India (COI) – Not directly involved but constitutional principles of fair trial considered

• Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC) – Section 313 (Examination of Accused)

• Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC) [Applicable as Ranbir Penal Code (RPC), 1989] – Section 420 (Cheating), Section 468 (Forgery for Purpose of Cheating), Section 471 (Using as Genuine a Forged Document)

• Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (PCA) – Section 5(1)(d) (Criminal Misconduct by Public Servant), Section 5(2) (Punishment)

Subjects:

Forgery – Cheating – Corruption – Concurrent Findings – Conviction Upheld – Handwriting Expert Report – Loss to Airlines – Ticket Manipulation

Nature of Litigation:

Criminal Appeal against conviction under RPC and PCA

Appellant’s Relief Sought: Acquittal from charges of cheating, forgery, and corruption

Reason for Filing the Case: Appellant challenged findings of guilt and sentence imposed by Trial Court and High Court

Previous Decisions:

• Trial Court: Convicted under Sections 420, 468, 471 of RPC and Sections 5(1)(d) read with 5(2) of PCA

• High Court: Affirmed Trial Court’s conviction and sentence

Issues: Whether the appellant committed forgery and corruption by manipulating airline tickets for personal gain

Submissions/Arguments:

(a) Appellant: Claimed lack of admissible evidence and denied involvement (b) Respondent (CBI): Produced expert and witness evidence proving guilt

Decision: Supreme Court affirmed concurrent findings of guilt and sentence; dismissed appeal

Ratio: Based on testimony of witnesses, handwriting expert opinion, and documentary evidence, guilt was established beyond reasonable doubt.