V.S. ACHUTHANANDAN v. R. BALAKRISHNA PILLAI & ORS

Citation: [2011] 2 S.C.R. 762

Court: Supreme Court of India

Bench: P. SATHASIVAM, B.S. CHAUHAN

Judgment text

[2011) 2 S. C. R. 762 V. S. ACHUTHANANDAN V. R. BALAKRISHNA PILLAI & ORS. (Criminal Appeal No. 350 of 2006) FEBRUARY 10, 2011 [P. SATHASIVAM AND DR. B. S. CHAUHAN, JJ. ] CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE, 1973: Appeal against acquittal -Jurisdiction of appellate court -Held: The Code puts no limitation on exercise of powers of appellate court either on questions of fact or of law -However, an appellate court must bear in mind that in case of acquittal, there is double presumption in favour of accused - Constitution of India, 1950 -Article 136.

0 CONSTITUTION OF IND/A, 1950 : Article 136 -Appeal by way of special leave - Filed by non-complainant/non party -Maintainability of -Conviction by trial court of a Minister and higher officials of State Electricity Board -For entering into conspiracy and awarding contract to accused-contractor at exorbitant rates causing huge loss to Board -Acquittal by High Court - Appeal by erstwhile leader of opposition party -Held: In the instant case, certain special features exist -State has not filed appeal -Taking note of the importance of the issue, appellant had earlier approached the Supreme Court when State wanted to close the prosecution against all the accused including the Minister, and accepting appellant's claim Special Judge was allowed to proceed in the case, which culminated in conviction of the accused by the Special Court -No objection as to locus of the appellant was raised on the earlier occasion -In view of the special circumstances, the instant appeal by the appellant against & ORS.

order of acquittal passed by the High Court is maintainable , -Locus standi. PENAL CODE, 1860 : ss. 120-B and 409, and ss. 5(1)(C) and 5(2) of Prevention of Corruption Act read withs.

120-B /PC -Contract awarded by State Electricity Board to accused-contractor on exorbitant rates -Member of the Board, Member of Consultative Council of the Board, Minister for Electricity in the State Government, the contractor along with others prosecuted -Death of contractor and another accused -Conviction by trial court of the Member of the Board, Member of its Consultative Council and the Minister -Acquittal by High Court -Held : The Board is empowered with the authority to award contracts, but being a Public Undertaking it is not expected to accept tenders at exorbitant rates causing loss to the Board -Except on policy matters the State Government had no role to play in the affairs of the Board -The evidence clearly shows that the Minister concerned used to interfere in awarding contracts of the Board ' and the accused-contractor had been chosen in advance by him -The evidence indicates that the conspiracy to award the work to the accused-contractor at exorbitant rates originated even prior to submission of tenders -Special Court has rightly concluded that a criminal conspiracy was hatched out at the instance of the Minister concerned and the Member of the Consultative Council -Prosecution has established against the three accused-appellants that the contract was awarded to the accused-contractor at and exorbitant rates -Besides the accused-contractor was favoured with special conditions in the contract causing further loss to the Board - There were procedural irregularities and omissions in dealing with the tenders and hasty steps were taken in awarding the contract in favour of the accused-contractor- Special Court accepting the prosecution case, rightly convicted the accused -High Court committed grave error in acquitting the accused without adverting to reliable and acceptable evidence adduced by prosecution -Judgment of High Court set aside and conviction of all the three accused as recorded by Special Court upheld -However, keeping in view the facts and circumstances of the case, and the fact that the accused have undergone agony of the proceedings for nearly two decades, accused sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for one year with fine of Rs.

10,0001- each - Kera/a State Electricity Board Tender Regulations -Regulation 25 (C). ADMINSTRATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE : Disposal of cases relating to corruption by public servants -Held: When a matter of this nature is entrusted to a Special Court or a regular court, such trials should be given priority and concluded within a reasonable time -High Courts are expected to monitor and even call for quarterly report from courts concerned for speedy disposal -Inasmuch as accused is entitled to speedy justice, it is the duty of all in charge of dispensation of justice to see that the issue reaches its end as early ~s possible -Constitution of India, 1950 -Article 227.

The respondents (A-1, A-3 and A-6) along with others were prosecuted for various offences punishable under the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act, in connection with awarding of a contract relating to the works of power tunnel and surge shaft after completion of the Dam under the ldamalayar Hydro Electric Power Project in the State of Kerala (ldamalayar contract). The prosecution case was that as per decision of the Kerala State Electricity Board (the Board), the contract relating to power tunnel was awarded on 19. 11. 1982 to A-4 at 188% above the Probable Amount of Contract (PAC) and the work relating to surge shaft and allied works at 162% above the estimated amount with many special conditions involving heavy financial implications at the expense of the Board; that A-1 was the Minister for Electricity in the State Government at the relevant time and at his instance, the Board awarded the contract to & ORS. A-4. A-3 was thf.

Member in the Consultative Committee of the Board and A-6 was the Member of the Board at the relevant time. The work carried out by the contractor revealed several leaks and cracks and other defects, were revealed in the work carried out by the contractor in the tunnel, which attracted public attraction and the matter was also discussed in the State Legislative Assembly and, ultimately, led to prosecution of several persons including the appellants. During the trial A-4 and A-7 died, A-22 became insane and some accused were discharged. The trial court convicted A-1, A-3 and A-6 of offences punishable u/ss 120-B and 409 IPC and ss. 5(1) (c) and 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act read with s~ 120-B IPC and sentenced each of them to 5 years RI and to pay a fine of Rs. 10,000/- each. All other accused were acquitted. All the three convicts filed appeals before 0 the High Court, which acquitted them of all the charges.

Aggrieved, the appellant, who was the leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly at the relevant time, filed the appeal. It was contended for the appellant that (i) there was enough material to show that A-1 was very much interested in favour of A-3 and with the connivance/ assistance of the Board officials, more particularly, through A-6, the Member of the Board, made the .

Board to accept the tender offered by A-4 at exorbitant rates with various special conditions contrary to the norms and circulars/procedures of the Board, and there was inordinate delay in awarding the contract; and (ii) that the criminal breach of trust was committed by the accused: (a) by awarding both the works of ldamalayar contract at very high and exorbitant rates with special conditions having heavy financial implic'ations; (b) by reducing the retention and security amount; (c) by allowing the contractor to return only fifty per cent of the empty cement bags; and (d) by accepting the special condition for the sale of T & P items (tools & plants) which could not be sold as per the general conditions of the contract.

The respondents' case, on the other hand, was that: (i) inasmuch as the High Court acquitted all the accused 8 in respect of all the charges on appreciation of oral and documentary evidence, interference by Supreme Court was very limited; in the absence of perversity in such conclusion, normally, the Court would not interfere with the order of acquittal; (ii) that the outcome of the contract in favour of A-4 was based on a "collective decision" by the Board and there was no external pressure from anyone including A-1; (iii) that there was no allegation that by awarding contract in favour of A-4, A-1 was monetarily benefited; and (iv) that in any event, inasmuch as the State did not challenge the order of acquittal, the appellant, who was neither a complainant nor a party to any of the proceedings had no locus to pursue the appeal. Accordingly, the appeal was not maintainable and on this ground was liable to be dismissed without going into the merits of the case.

Allowing the appeal, the Court HELD: 1. Interference by Supreme Court in an order of acquittal It is settled principle that an appellate court has full power to review, re-appreciate and reconsider the evidence upon which the order of acquittal is founded. The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 puts no limitation, restriction or condition on exercise of such power and an appellate court is free to arrive at such conclusion, both on questions of fact and of law. An appellate court, however, must bear in mind that in case of acquittal, there is double presumption in favour of the accused. The & ORS. presumption of innocence is available to a person in the criminal jurisprudence that every person shall be presumed to be innocent unless he is proved guilty by a competent court of law. It is also settled law that if two reasonable conclusions are possible on the basis of the evidence on record, the appellate court should not disturb the finding of acquittal recorded by the trial court.

[para 7] [791-E-G] 2. Statutory Provisions 2. 1. The Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948 was in force at the relevant time and the Board had been constituted in terms of s. 5 thereof, for the management and supply of electricity. As per s. 78-A, the Board, in discharge of its functions shall be guided by such directions and questions of policy as may be given to it by the State Government; and except on policy matters, the State Government had no role in the affairs of the Board. [para 8] [792-B-C] 3. A-1 's interference in the affairs of the Board: 3. 1. It is the case of the prosecution that A1 while he was holding office of the Minister for Electricity, Government of Kerala was interfering in the day-to~day a~airs of the Board and used to interfere even in·· awarding of contracts of the Board.

One of the main charges levelled against A1 and others is that he, in his , capacity, as Minister for Electricity intended to settle contracts of the Board in the name of his favourites or persons of his choice at exorbitant rates with the ulterior object of making illegal profit either to himself or to his favourites. In order to establish its case, the prosecution has produced evidence through PW-64, PW-66, PW-138, . and PW-146, who supported the prosecution case. [para 9] [792-E-H] 3. 2. It is clear from the materials on record that the process of tendering of ldamalayar works was interrupted on several occasions mainly by the Board by cancelling the tenders and ordering re-tender and by extending the period of validity of tenders more than once. It was on the last date of extension of the validity of the tender i. e. on 30. 06. 1982, that A-4 appeared and submitted his tender with special conditions which was later accepted in the Board's meeting dated 19. 11. 1982.

The Special Judge, placing reliance on Board's resolution [Ex. P550(a)], has rightly concluded that there was inordinate delay in awarding the work which reasoning was erroneously not accepted by the High Court. The materials placed clearly show that it was nearly three years to take a decision. It is also clear from the evidence of PWs 64, 66, 138 and 146 which clinchingly established 0 the circumstances under which A-1 conceived the idea for fixing contract of the Board at exorbitant rates in order to derive monetary benefits. The contrary conclusion arrived by the High Court, is not in terms of the evidence led in by the prosecution. [para 14) [795-E-H] 4. Whether ldamalayar contract was awarded at exorbitant rates causing loss to the Board: 4. 1.

The basic stand of the prosecution is that A-1 entered into criminal conspiracy to award the disputed contract involving heavy financial gain to A-4 and the conspiracy and abuse of power by certain officials enabled the conspirators to earn a pecuniary advantage of Rs. 2,39,64,253/-, in addition to the financial loss caused to the Board. It is the specific case of the prosecution that the rates awarded in both the contracts are exorbitant. It is not in dispute that the contract was awarded at 188% above PAC in the case of tunnel work and 162% above PAC for the surge shaft work. Verification of Ext. P-52(b) shows that the sanctioned estimate for the tunnel work & ORS. was Rs. 1,17,20,633. 90. On the other hand, the accepted tender amount as per the award of contract was Rs. 2,45,80,796/- which is clear from Ext P 52. It is further seen as per Ext P-68 agreement, the sanctioned estimate for surge shaft was Rs. 74 lakhs and it was awarded for Rs. 1,42,94,901/- .

The evidence of PW-7, the Chief Engineer of the Board, and PW-156, the Investigating Officer, and the materials produced would show that the contract was awarded to A-4 at excessive rates. [para 15- 16] [796-A-D; 797-A-D] 4. 2. The evidence of PWs-46 and 122 and the statement made by A-1 to both of them clearly show that A-4 was the contractor chosen in advance by A-1 and other accused who were also interested in him. The evidence indicates the conspiracy to award the work to A-4 at exorbitant rates originated even prior to the submission of tenders by A-4 and other tenderers. The contrary conclusion arrived at by the High Court justifying the award at higher rate to A-4 cannot be legally sustained. [para-17] [798-D-E] 4. 3.

The Board is empowered with the authority to award contracts and has discretion to accept tenders, but, being an authority constituted under the Statute and a Pubic Undertaking, it is not expected to accept tenders at exorbitant rates with financial implications causing loss to the Board. The Board is always expected to protect its financial interests while awarding contracts. The Board mainly relied on the labour problem that was prevailing at the relevant time. In this regard, it is relevant to point out that the tenders for the ldamalayar work were invited in March, 1982 and four contractors submitted tenders as indicated by Exts. P78 series dated 21. 03. 1982. It is true that the tunnel workers went on strike on 20. 04. 1981 and the contractors submitted their tenders when there was labour unrest. However, the reason attributed for the delay cannot be accepted.

There were procedural irregularities and omissions by the Board authorities in the manner of dealing with tenders'"" submitted by A-4 and PW 64, which ultimately eliminated PW 64 from the scene, keeping A-4 as the sole tenderer, s qualified by pre-qualification Committee of the Board; and hasty steps were taken by the Board in awarding contract in favour of A-4 in the meeting held on 19. 11. 1982. All these facts lead to the conclusion that the award of contract in favour of A-4 was an exorbitant one. · It is relevant to point out that the Special Judge, by adverting to Ext 550(a) expressed that the reasons stated by the Board in awarding contract in favour of A-4 at exorbitant rates are not acceptable. [para 17) [798-F-H; 799-A-C] 5. No serious discussion by the Board: There was no serious discussion in the Board meeting held on 19. 11. 1982 and the minutes of the Meeting were prepared as dictated by A7, the then Chairman of the Board.

It is the responsibility of the members, more particularly, full time members of the Board, who were responsible for the scrutiny of the · deviations and conditions suggested by the contractor, which involved huge financial implications, to see that all transactions are beneficial to the Board and within the permissible limit. It is relevant to point out that the decision ultimately taken for awarding the contract with special conditions, as suggested by the contractor, involved huge financial implications at the risk and loss of the Board. Though the High Court has concluded that the part-time members who were signatory to Ex550(a) had, subsequently, approved the minutes, the Special Court made a distinction between the responsibility of full-time members and that of part-time members in the matters of awarding of contract. It is true that all the & ORS. members present subscribed their signatures in the minutes in awarding contract to A-4.

It was highlighted in evidence that A-8, the Financial Adviser to the Board, in his report has stated that the rates awarded to the contractor are very high. The then Law Secretary also conveyed. his opinion during the meeting of the Board that the rates were exorbitant. These aspects were taken note of by the Special Court while considering the culpability of the accused. The then Deputy Secretary of the Board (PW-140) also admitted this aspect and stated that there was no serious discussion in the meeting held on 19. 11. 1982. He explained that Ex. 550(a) minutes of the meeting is a reproduction of the dictation given by the Chairman of the Board (A-7). The Special Court has rightly concluded that there was no serious discussion in the Board Meeting dated 19. 11. 1982 when the question 0 of award of contract was taken up and the minutes of the meeting were prepared as dictated by A-7, the then Chairman of the Board. [para 18] (799-E-H~ 800-A-G] 6. Award of contract to A-4: 6. 1.

Pursuant to the decision that Full Board meeting should be held on 19. 11. 1982 to decide the question of award of ldamalayar contract, PW-7 was directed to issue notice to all the tenderers. The materials relied on by the prosecution show that on 18. 11. 1982, though notices were issued to the contractors, only A-4 was present on 19. 11. 1982. Without verifying the fact that whether all the other tenderers were ready, a decision was taken on . 19. 11. 1982 itself by accepting the offer of A-4 with special conditions. The Board being a statutory authority, ought to have waited for a reply from the other tenderers to ascertain whether they actually received notices and reason for their inability to attend. It was demonstrated that it was a pre-planned attempt to award the work to A- 4 alone and the notices issued to other tenderers. were in the form of an ultimatum. It was also pointed out that for the negotiation on 04. 11. 1982, i. e. prior to 19. 11.

1982, held by PW-7, with the tenderers, in the office of the Board only A-4 and P. W. 4 were present. The prequalification Committee, headed by A-7, gave chances to A-4 to correct the errors and mistakes in the tender form submitted by him for the impugned works, on the other hand, such concession was not afforded to the other tenderers. [para 20] [802-F-H; 803-A-C-E] 6. 2. It is significant to note the conduct of A-1 with regard to settlement of labour dispute. The evidence shows that there was labour strike in the tunnel area which started in April, 1981 and continued from the time of inviting tenders on 05. 06. 1981 till the time of award of contract. It was highlighted that there was no effort on the part of A-1 to settle the labour dispute before tendering process was initiated. The labourers submitted the Memorandum to A-1 on several occasions requesting for settlement of labour problems.

It was not settled and the matter was kept alive till the tender was fixed in the name of A-4 on 19. 11. 1982. It was only after the award of the contract, that A-1 took initiative to settle the labour dispute, more particularly, when he came to know that A- 1 cannot enter the site because of the obstruction of the workers to begin the contract work. It is relevant to point "- out that PW-7 informed A-1 and A-6 more than once that in case the labour dispute could be settled in advance, the contract could be awarded at a reasonable rate. The evidence of PW-7 clearly shows that his request was not accepted by A-1 and A-6. [para 21] [804-C-F] 6. 3. The evidence shows that the rate quoted by PW- 4 by his evidence in court, was 135% above PAC, which was less than 188% above PAC, quoted by A-4 and approved by the Board. The High Court fai! ed to take note of the importance of evidence of PW-4 and justified V. S. ACHUTHANANDAN v. R. BALAKRISHNA PILL. Al 773 . & ORS.

the action of the Board in not pursuing the tender submitted by PW-4 with a lesser rate on the ground that his tender was liable to be rejected since he wanted an arbitration clause in the agreement. Further, though PW- 4 has quoted lesser rate than A-1, in his evidence, he has highlighted that he was not given an opportunity to consider the reasonableness of the rate quoted by him i. e. 135% above PAC. The High Court has not only ignored his assertion but found that the rate quoted by him for the surge shaft work is not a lesser rate when compared to one quoted by A-4 i. e. , 188% above PAC. Though the Special Court has correctly found that PW-4 quoted less than the rate quoted byA-4, the High Court, on erroneous assumption found fault with the finding of the Special Court which correctly appreciated the prosecution case. [para 22] [804-G; 805-A-B] . · 7.

Acceptance of Special Conditions & Concessions: With regard to the case of the prosecution that certain Special Conditions were accepted by the Board (Ex. P588) involving huge financial commitments favourable to the accused-contractor causing loss to the Board, it is relevant to mention that one of the special conditions, is condition No. 4 relating to tools and plants sold to the contractor in violation of the General ·Conditions of the contract, which provide that the Board is bound to make available to the contractors only such tools and plants as are listed in the Schedule attached thereto, that too subject to availability. Such items of tools and plants which are listed in Ext. P52 agreement marked as Ext. P52(d) show 8 items of tools and plants which can only be hired out to the contractors if requested on the specified rates. In Ext. P58, deviations and conditions submitted by the contractor as Item No 4, stated that such tools and plants listed in Ext.

P52(d) shall be sold to him on outright sale at book value deducting depreciation and the cost may be recovered on pro rata basis from his bills. The full Board, in its decision dated 19. 11. 1982, accepted the special condition of the contractor to sell those items of tools and plants which includes very costly foreign imported materials. The official examined on the side of the prosecution pointed out that there is no provision in the general conditions of the contract enabling the Board to effect sale of those tools and plants to the contractor. These important aspects have been duly considered by the Special Court but, have been overlooked by the High Court while upsetting the decision of the Special Court. As correctly found by the Special Court, special condition No. 4 relating to sale of tools and plants is a favour done by the Board to the contractor for obtaining financial gains at the risk of Board's loss. [para 23 and 26] [805-D-H; 806-A-B; 808-E] 8.

Return of empty cement bags by the Contractor: 8. 1. Another special condition sanctioned by the Board in favour of the contractor A-4 relates to the return of empty cement bags. This special condition provided that the contractor shall return only 50% of empty cement bags in good condition. According to the Auditor, because of the special condition, the Board had sustained a loss of Rs. 1,08,879. 75. The Special Court has substantiated its finding on the point based on evidence furnished by the auditors. However, the High Court relying on Ext D-28 which provided for recovery of balance 50% of empty cement bags not returned or returned in damaged condition and recovery will be effected as stipulated in the tender condition, erroneously concluded that no loss could be sustained to the Board. The conclusion arrived at by the High Court is contrary to the special condition No.

10 regarding the return of empty cement bags, according to which the Board is not entitled to recover the value of balance 50% of unreturned cement bags. [para 25-26] [807-F-G; 808-F-H; 809-A] & ORS. 9. Fixation of security and retention: Yet another special condition involving financial implications sanctioned to the Contractor is with regard to the fixation of security and retention amount. In the case on hand, keeping in view the PAC contract works, 8 the security amount and retention amount due from the contractor would c·ome to Rs. 12 lakhs. However, the retention amount and the security both were restricted to Rs. 5 Lakhs and Rs. 1 Lakh for both the works, which is a benefit shown to the Contractor. A perusal of Kerala State Electricity Board Tender Regulations show that the reduction of security deposit is permissible only in the case of established firm/Company and that the security deposit of a new contractor shall not be reduced.

The course adopted by the Board is contrary to the condition contained in Regulation No. 25(c) of the Board's Regulations. [para 27] [809-C-H; 810-A-B-F] 10. Criminal Conspiracy 10. 1. On this aspect, the Special Court has analyzed the evidence of witnesses and considered the · documents produced and marked by the prosecution / and has rightly concluded that there is sufficient evidence that a criminal conspiracy was hatched out at the instance of A-1, the then Minister for Electricity and A-3, who was a close associate and political ally of A-1. This was strengthened by-the evidence of PW-21,the Assistant Engineer, Quality Control, ldamalayar project and other witnesses. Nobody has challenged the relationship between A-1 and A-3.. lt is the case of the prosecution that a conspiracy was hatched out at the instance of A1 and others with the illegal object of getting the ldamalayar project fixed on one among themselves at exorbitant rates and make illegal profits.

It is also the definite case of the prosecution that though the work was awarded in the name of A-4, it was actually executed by A-3 and another accused A-22(deceased). It has come in evidence that the amount of work was invested and payments were made by A-22 and A-3. As rightly observed by the Special Court, the relationship between A-1 and A-3 is a relevant factor in arriving at the circumstances leading to the formation of the conspiracy. The evidence led in normally show that A-3 was an intimate friend of A-1 and very closely moving with him during the relevant period.

This has been established by the evidence of PW-3, who was a watchman of the Inspection Bungalow at ldamalayar, PWs-6, 7 and 8 who were Engineers at the relevant ~ime at ldamalayar worksite and supervising execution of the works, PW-24, the workers ( PWs 25 and 26), and PW-19, the receptionist of a Tourist home, where A-3 was occupying a room on rent on or about the time of finalization of the contract in favour of A-4. The Special Court noted the significance of his stay during the above period at Thiruvananthapuram. Under s. 16 of the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948, the Constituting Authority Is the State Government. The evidence led in by the prosecution shows that A-1 took initiative to include the name of A-3 in the list of nominees for constituting the Consultative Council. The evidence of PWs 18, 27 and 51 and Ext. 180(c) established the case of the prosecution.

The evidence further shows that the mandatory requirements contemplated u/s 16 of the Act regarding the constitution of Consultative Council was not adhered to by A-1 who wanted to include A-3 in the panel inasmuch as usually the representatives of State Level Organisers representing various interests alone were nominated after consultation by the Government with such bodies, but A-3 was not representing any such State Level Organisation. This is evident from the evidence of PWs 31 and 16. [paras 28, 29 and 34] [811-B· F; 812-D·F-H; 813-A; 815-D-F] 10. 2. The prosecution has established the & ORS. relationship of A1 and A-4 even before awarding of contract. Even prior to awarding of the contract to A-4, A-1 had chosen A-4 as prospective contractor for execution of the work which fact is spoken to by PW-122 and also by PW-46. Their evidence shows that on 29. 06.

1981 when they met A-1 requesting for the award of the tunnel driving work to the workers at ldamalayar, A-1 told them that the execution of the ldamalayar work was proposed to be given to A-4. {para 30] {813-C-D] 10. 3. The role played by A-3 in fixing the contract to A-4 is also relevant to infer the formation of agreement between himself and A-1. In addition to the same, the prosecution has adduced acceptable evidence that a company by name Hydro Power Construction Company was registered as a partnership firm with A-4 as Managing Partner and A3 and A-22 (deceased) as Working Partners. Further, close relatives of A-4, A3 and A-22 were parties to the partnership deed. The object of the partnership was to execute the ldamalayar tunnel work and also the surge shaft work in the name of the firm which was an assessee under the income tax Act as is evident from Ex.

P245, the income-tax assessment of the firm in the year 1984-85 and 1985-86 and the evidence of PW-123, an Income-tax practitioner. In addition to the same, when A- 3 was questioned u/s 313 Cr. P. C. , he admitted that he invested good amount for the work and visited the site to watch the progress of the work. The fact that A-1, while as a Minister for Electricity, interfered with the award of the contracts of the Board were spoken to by PW-64, PW- 66, PW-138 and PW-146. It is also clear that A-1 was awaiting for a probable contractor of his choice to undertake the ldamalayar works at exorbitant rates. [para 31] [813-F-H; 814-A-C] 10. 4. Further, there was labour agitation prevailing at · tdamalayar work site. It is in evidence that after execution of the agreement of the ldamalayar work by A-4, A-1 interfered and settled the labour dispute by awarding a compensation of Rs. 11 lakhs to the striking workers and the worksite was made free of any labour unrest.

It is the prosecution case that this was done to help the contractor, a party to the conspiracy for execution of the work and to make illegal profit therefrom. The evidence of PW-7, Chief Engineer and other witnesses stated that the awarding of ldamalayar work at exorbitant rates could have been avoided in case the labour issue was settled earlier. The prosecution has also highlighted labour unrest at ldamalayar which was kept pending at the instance of A-1 and other interested parties so as to make it appear that no contractor will come forward to undertake the contract, so much so that there is possibility of choosing a contractor of their choice for the 0 execution of the work at exorbitant rates. (para 32] (814· D-H; 815-A] 10. 5. The prosecution has also highlighted that to achieve the illegal object of finding the contract in the name of A-4 at exorbitant rates, the pre-qualification system was introduced by the Board by order Ext. P576 dated 24. 09. 1981.

This was after tendering process had started for the ldamalayar work. PW-138, explained before the court that pre-qualification bid system was misused by the Board to safeguard vested interest by choosing contractors of their choice. [para 33] [815-B] 10. 6. The Special Court, after analysing the evidence in detail found that A-3 is the man behind the manuring for getting the contract awarded to A-4, who, however, was only a benamidar and A-3 and A-22 were the beneficiaries though the work was awarded in the name of A-4. The role played by A-6 in the matter of hatching out the conspiracy and the fulfillment of the unlawful object is proved by evidence, particularly, from the evidence of PW-7. (para 34] (816-C-D] & ORS. 10. 7. From the materials on record, it is clear that a criminal conspiracy among A-1, A-3 and A-6 can be inferred. A-1, as Minister for Electricity is all in all dealing with the efforts of the Board including the awarding or cancellation of the contracts.

The officers and the Board members were under his pressure and fear which is clearly seen from the statements of prosecution witnesses, namely, PWs 8, 36, 60, 62, 138, 140, 64, 66 etc. From the materials on record, as rightly concluded by the Special Court, it leads to a conclusion that several out of way methods were adopted by the Board at the instance of. A-1 for achieving the object of conspiracy. (para 34] (816-E-F; 817-A] 10. 8. The High Court failed to consider various instances and materials placed by the prosecution in , respect of charge relating to conspiracy. Before this Court it was demonstrated that several material aspects have not been considered by the High Court. PW-7, former Chief Engineer, a most reliable witness was examined in the presence of A-3 on 04. 11. 1982 in the Board's office. There is no necessity to corroborate or further material in addition to the oral evidence of PW-7.

As rightly analysed and concluded by the Special Court, there is no infirmity in the evidence of PW-7 merely because there is no documentary evidence in respect of the presence of A-3 at the Board's meeting, the evidence .. of PW-7 cannot be ignored. [para 35] (817-D; 818-B-C] 10. 9. The High Court very much accepted the stand of the accused that it was a collective decision of the Board for awarding contract in favour of A-4 at exQrbitant rates, though the reasons relied on by the Board expose the omission and negligence on its part in fixing the contract with other contractors, namely, PW-146, P. W. 64 or PW-4, who quoted lower rates then A-4. Even before this Court it was reiterated that it was a collective decision of the members of the Board to award the contract in . · favour of A-4, but it has been established, as has been held by the Special Court, that the contract was awarded at exorbitant rates, with special conditions.

In the instant case, all the ingredients of criminal conspiracy are satisfied for convicting A-1, A-3 and A-6 for the offence · charged against them. [para 36] [Q18-D·G] 11. Special mention abouf PW-7, retired Chief Engineer of the Board & PW-46: 11. 1. The prosecution heavily relied on the evidence of PW 7, a retired Chief Engineer of the Board. By his rich experience and having worked as a Chief Engineer at the relevant time, namely, when ldamalayar project was commissioned, he furnished all the details with reference to various documents such as his report, opinion, minutes of the meeting of the Board with reference to 0 ldamalayar project He retired from service on March 1985, and was first examined on the side of the prosecution on 28. 03. 1996 and at that time he was 66 years old. He was called upon to give evidence only in March 1996 nearly . after 15 years of the commissioning of the ldamalayar project.

In this view of the matter, there is no reason to reject his entire evidence for alleged inconsistencies as claimed by the respondents/accused. In his evidence, he has mentioned that on the submission of tender by A-4, it was noted that he quoted 189% above PAC. It is also seen from the evidence of PW-7 that after noting that the rate quoted by A-4 is higher rate, he forwarded the said information for remarks of FA and CAO. He also asserted that A-6 told him that A-1, the Minister, was very much particular to award both the works to A-4. He inspected the site on 23. 09. 1983 and due to slow progress in the works, he castigated A-22, who conducted the works. After few days, A-3 and A-22 came to his house and warned him and then on 13. 10. 1983, he was transferred and appointed as an Advisor of Electricity Board In respect of Hydroelectric Projects, though such a Post V. S. ACHUTHAl'JANDAN v. R. BALAKRISHNA PILLAI 781 & ORS. was not there.

[para 37 and 38] [819-A-C; G-H; 820-A-B; E-F; 822-B-C-E] 11. 2. As regards the decision of the Board and the role of PW-7, he has stated that the Chief Engineer has no right to question the Board's decision. However, he 8 clarified that when he was asked to give his opinion or report, he was bound by the said direction. Though, several reports and minutes of the Board meeting were pressed into service by the respondents/accused in order to strengthen their case that all important decisions accepting the contract in favour of A-4 including several special conditions etc. , were taken by the Board on the notes/reports of PW-7, it is clear that due to the pressure of A-6, the then Member of the Board, who was close to A-1, as well as the desire of A-1 in awarding the contract in favour of A-4 with higher rates, PW-7 had no other option except to execute the directions of A-6 and A-1.

The analysis of the evidence of PW-7 coupled with the other prosecution witnesses and other notes and report prepared for the Board clearly indicate that though he reminded that certain things were not permissible, because of the fact that the beneficiaries of the contract are known to A-1 and A-6, he had no other option except to prepare notes in such a way and, ultimately, the Board accepted the same. [paras 37, 38, 39 and 41] [821-G-H; 822-A-G-H; 823-C-D] 11. 3. The evidence of PW-46, a member of RSP, a political party was led by the prosecution to establish that A-1 decided and determined to award the contract to A- 4. PW-46 stated that at the relevant time he was the President of the workers Union. A memorandum was submitted to A-1 and he was requested to give· work to labourers at least on piece rate basis, but A-1 told them that the contract had been given to A-4. [para-42] [823-E- H] 12.

About maintainability of the appeal by the appellant: In the instant case, certain special features exist. Though the State has not filed any appeal against the impugned order of acquittal by the High Court but supported the ultimate conviction and sentence imposed 8 by the Special Judge and informed this Court that if permitted, it was ready to file an appeal with an application for condonation of delay. Though the Court is not inclined to entertain such a request at this stage, however, the fact remains that taking note of the importance of the issue, allegations against the Minister and higher officials of the Board in respect of award of contract with the ulterior motive, the appellant approached this Court on earlier occasion when the State wanted to close the prosecution against all the accused including the Minister, based on the order of the High Court in respect of A-5.

Further when the very same appellant filed special leave petition before this Court and later leave was granted by this Court neither of these respondents raised any objection as to the maintainability of the petition. On the other hand, a Bench of three Judges* accepted the appellant's claim and set aside the order of the High Court based on which the Special Judge proceeded further and, ultimately, convicted and sentenced A-1, A-3 and A-6. In view of these factual details, the respondents-accused were not serious in projecting the issue relating to maintainability as their first objection. In view of the special circumstances highlighted in the case on hand, the instant appeal by the appellant against the order of acquittal by the High Court is maintainable. [para 45] [825- F; 826-H; 827-A-F] *V. S. Achuthanandan vs. R. Ba/akrishna Pillai & Ors. , 1994 (1) Suppl. SCR 95 = (1994) 4 sec 299] - referred to. & ORS. National Commission for Women vs.

State of Delhi and Another 2010 11 Scale 17; and K. Anbazhagan vs. Superintendent of Police and Others 2003 (5) Suppl. SCR 610 =(2004) 3 SCC 767- relied on Latu Prasad Yadav & Anr. Vs. State of Bihar & Anr. , 2010 (4 ) SCR 334 =(2010) 5 SCC 1 held in-applicable 13. Conclusion 13. 1. The prosecution has established the following aspects insofar as accused A-1, A-3 and A-6 are concerned: (a) the contract was awarded for both the works of ldamalayar at a very high and exorbitant rate with special conditions having heavy financial implications; (b) the contractor was allowed to returh only fifty per cent of the empty cement bags; and (c) the contract was awarded by reducing the retention and o security amount. [para 47] (828-D. E] 13. 2. The High Court failed to appreciate in the proper ·· perspective the materials placed by the prosecution and brushed aside several import<! nt items of evidence adduced by the prosecution.

Equally, the conclusion of the High Court that the proved circumstances are not sufficient to hold that there was conspiracy, as alleged by the prosecution, cannot be accepted. On the other hand, the Special Court, after framing various points for consideration and after thorough discussion, has rightly accepted the case of the prosecution and rightly convicted the accused. The High Court committed a grave error in acquitting . the accused without adverting to the reliable and acceptable evidence adduced by the prosecution. The judgment of the High Court is set aside and the conviction of all the three accusedas recorded by the trial court is upheld. [para 47] (828-F-H; 829-A-B] 13. 3. Now, coming to the sentence part, it is relevant to note that the contract was awarded to A-4 (since deceased) as early as on 19. 11. 1982.

After various agitations, discussions in the Assembly, appointment of a Commission by the Government and based on the report of the Commission, the State Government initiated the prosecution and the trial prolonged upto November 19, 1999. Thereafter, the matter remained pending before the High Court till October 2003, when the High Court pronounced its order acquitting all the accused. The matter was then taken up to this Court by the appellant. The accused have undergone agony of these proceedings for nearly two decades, therefore, ends of justice would be met by awarding rigorous imprisonment for one year with fine of Rs. 10,000/- each. Ordered accord_ingly. [para 48) [829-C-E] 14. It is pertinent to point out that in all the cases in which charges relating to corruption by public servants are involved, normally, it takes longer time to reach its finality.

Although, the Government of India, Department of Law & Justice is making all efforts for expeditious disposal of cases of this nature by constituting Special Courts, however, the fact remains that it takes longer time to reach its destination. When a matter of this nature is entrusted to a Special Court or a regular court, it is but proper on the part of the court concerned to give priority . to the same and conclude the trial within a reasonable time. The High Court, having overall control and F . supervisory jurisdiction under Article 227 of the Constitution of India is expected to monitor and even call for a quarterly report from the court concerned for speedy disposal. Inasmuch as the accused is entitled to speedy justice, it is the duty of all in charge of dispensation of justice to see that the issue reaches its end as early as possible. [para 49) [829-G; 830-C-E] Case Law Reference: 1994 ( 1 ) Suppl. SCR 95referred to para 2 & ORS.

2010 11 Scale 17 relied on para 43 2010 (4 ) SCR 334 held inapplicable para 46 2003 (5 ) Suppl. SCR 610 relied on para 46 CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURSDICTION: Criminal Appeal No. 350 of 2006. From the Judgment & Order dated 31. 10. 2003 of the High Court of Kerala at Ernakulam in Crl. Appeal-Nos. 823, 824 of 1999 and 822 of 1999 (B}. Shanti Bhushan, A. Sharan, U. U. Lalit, S. Gopakumaran Nair, R. S. Sodhi, Malini Poduval, Rovin V. S. , Deepak Prakash, Biju P. Raman, Usha Nandini, Babita Sant, Vishnu B. Saharya, Geroge Mathew, Saharya & Co. , E. M. S. Anam, Fazlin Anam, James Koshy, Vinod. Kumar, T. G. Narayan Nair, K. N. o Mahusoodhanan, P. V. Dinesh, Jojo Jose, Sindhu T. P. , P. V. Vinod for the appearing parties. The Judgment of the Court was delivered by P. SATHASIVAM, J. 1. The challenge in this appeal, by ,E special leave, is to the legality of. the order dated 31. 10. 2003 passed by the High Court of Kerala at Ernakulam allowing Criminal Appeal Nos.

822, 823 & 824 of 1999 filed by the accused setting aside the order dated 10. 11. 1999 passed by the Special Judge ldamalayar Investigations, Ernakulam in C. C. No. 1 of 1991 convicting all the accused for the offences punishable under Sections 120-B and 409 of the Indian Penal Code {in short 'IPC'} and Sections 5(1}(c} and 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947 (Act 2 of 1947) (hereinafter referred to as 'the P. C. Act'} and sentencing them to undergo rigorous imprisonment. 2. Brief Facts:- ·(a} ldamalayar Hydro Electric Power Project, a multipurpose power project in Kerala was conceived and completed in the year 1985. The project report was approved by the Central Water and Power Commission in 1973. (b) After the completion of the Dam, the remaining construction work relating to the power tunnel and surge shaft, which are integral part of the water conductor system of the 8 project, was awarded on contract basis to one KP.

Poulose (A4), as per the decision of the Kerala State Electricity Board (hereinafter referred to as the "Board"), on 19. 11. 1982. The work relating to power tunnel was awarded at 188% above the Probable Amount of Contract (PAC) and the work relating to surge shaft and allied works at 162% above the estimated amount with many special conditions, as requested by the contractor, involving heavy financial implications/advantages to him at the experise of the Board. Further, there was inordinate delay in completion of the work. (c) During the trial run, on 15. 07. 1985, several leaks and cracks were noticed in the tunnel lining which was a matter of great public concern and caused considerable anxiety and fear among the public and State as well. Discussions and debates were held in this regard in the State Legislative Assembly. There was a public outcry for a judicial probe in this matter.

Extensive rectification work to remedy the defects in the tunnel lining and surge shaft was undertaken at a considerable cost which was to the tune of Rs. 1. 75 crore. (d) On 02. 08. 1985, the Public Undertaking Committee of the State Legislature inspected the site and submitted its report recommending a judicial probe. The State Government appointed a sitting Judge of the Kerala High Court as Commissioner of Inquiry to conduct the probe. The Commission recorded its enquiry, collected considerable evidence and submitted its report in June, 1988. The Commission came to the conclusion that materials placed before it prima facie disclosed commission of offences punishable under l. P. C. and P. C Act against persons responsible for the same and recommended for investigation into these offences. The State & ORS. [P. SATHASIVAM, J. ] Government accepted the recommendations and constituted a special team, headed by Superintendent of Police for Investigation.

The report of the special squad was filed in the Court of Special Judge on 14. 12. 1990 in Crime No. C. C. No. 1 of 1991. (e) During pendency of the case, an application for withdrawal of the prosecution against accused No. 5 - G. Gopalakrishna Pillai, who was the Secretary to the Kerala Government, Irrigation and Power Department was made by the then Special Public Prosecutor on 24. 08. 1992 under Section 321 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (in short 'Cr. P. C. ') on the ground of absence of any material to sustain a successful prosecution of offences alleged against him. At this stage, the appellant herein - V. S. Achuthanandan, the then Opposition leader in the Assembly, in public interest, filed statement of objections against the move for withdrawal of the case against G. Gopalakrishna Pillai (A5). After full fledged enquiry, the application filed by the Special Public Prosecutor was dismissed by the Special Judge on 16. 10. 1992. (f) On 03. 02.

1993, Criminal Revision Petition No. 762 of 1992, filed by the State against the order of Special Judge was allowed by the High Court. On the strength of the observations made in the order of the Kerala High Court, the State Government took the decision to withdraw the criminal case against all other accused. (g) The appellant challenged the above order of the High Court in Criminal Appeal No. 122 of 1994 before this Court which set aside the order of the High Court and restored the order of the Special Judge declining consent for withdrawal [vide V. S. Achuthanandan vs. R. Balakrishna Pillai & Ors. , (1994) 4 SCC 299]. Subsequently, the matter was further proceeded in the Court of Special Judge. (h) During trial, Accused No. 22, Paul Mundakkal became insane and the case against l\im was allowed to split, Accused ·.. :: No. 4 - K. P. Poulose, Contractor, died, Accused nos.

11 and 14 to 21 were discharged by the Court of Special Judge in the final report holding that there was no prima facie case made against them. (i) On 14. 12. 1995, charges were framed against other 8 accused for various offences under Sections 120-8, 409, 430 and 201 IPC and Section 5(2) read with Section 5(1)(c) and (d) of the P. C. Act. This order of the Special Judge was confirmed by the High Court, but found that the charge under the P. C. Act is not sustainable against A5 and AS for want of proper sanction as per the orders passed in Criminal Revision Petitions filed by the accused in the High Court. Charge was amended accordingly and the accused were rearranged as A1 to A11. In the meantime, A7 died. (j) The Special Court, after analyzing the oral and documentary evidence on record, vide its judgment and order dated 10. 11. 1999 found R. 8alakrishna Pillai (A1), P. K.

Sajeev (A3) and Ramabhadran Nair (A6) guilty of the offences punishable under Section 120-8 and 409 IPC and Sections 5(1)(c) and 5(2) of the P. C. Act read with Section 120-8 of IPC. They were sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of five years for the offence punishable under Section 120-8 of IPC and to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of four years each under Section 409 IPC and Section 5(2) of the P. C. Act read with Section 120-8 IPC and to pay a fine of Rs. 10,000/- each, in default, to undergo simple imprisonment for one year each. However, A1, A3 and A6 were acqultted of the charges under Sections 161, 201 and 430 IPC read with Section 5(1)(d) of the P. C. Act. It was also directed that the sentences shall run concurrently. Accused Nos. 2,4,5,8,9,10 and 11 were found not guilty of the offences and they were acquitted of all the offences with which they were charged. (k) Aggrieved by the order of conviction and centence, all the three accused i. e.

(A1), (A3) and: _(A6) filed separate & ORS. [P. SATHASIVAM, J. ] appeals before the High Court of Kerala at Ernakulam. By the common impugned judgment dated 31. 10. 2003, the High Court set aside the conviction and sentence of all the three accused and acquitted them from all the charges levelled against them. (I) Questioning the order of acquittal, the appellant - V. S. Achuthanandan, filed special leave petition against the common impugneif]udgment and, this Court, by order dated 27. 03. 2006, granted leave to appeal. 3. Heard Mr. Shanti Bhushan, learned senior counsel for the appellant, Mr. U. U. Lalit, learned senior counsel for R. Balakrishna Pillai (A1), Mr. Amarendra Sharan, learned · senior counsel for P. K. Sajeev (A3), Mr. S. Gopakumaran Nair, learned senior counsel for Ramabhadran Nair (A6) and Mr. R. S. Sodhi, learned senior counsel for the State of Kerala. Submissions: 4. Mr.

Shanti Bhushan, learned senior counsel for the appellant after taking us through the entire materials relied on by the prosecution,· stand taken by the defence, elaborate reasonings of the trial Court in convicting the accused and the reasonings of the High Court in acquitting them, raised the following submissions:- (i) There was enough material to show that (A1) was very much interested in favour of (A3) and with the connivance/. assistance of the Board officials, more particularly through (A6) Member of the Board, made the Board to accept the tender · offered by K. P. Poulose (A4) at an exorbitant rate with various special conditions. (ii) The criminal breach of trust has been committed by the accused in the following ways:- (a) By awarding both the works of ldamalayar at a very high and exorbitant rate with special conditions having heavy financial implications. 790 ·A (b) By reducing the retention and security amount.

(c) By allowing the contractor to return only fifty per cent of the empty cement bags. . {d) By accepting the special condition for the sale of T & P items (tools & plants) which could not be sold as per the general conditions of the contract (iii) Contrary to the norms and circulars/procedures of the Board, in order to favour K. P. Poulose (A4), who was a friend of (A1), the Board has accepted all the conditions just to favour (A1) and (A3). 5. Mr. U. U. Lalit, Mr. Amarendra Sharan and Mr. S. Gopakumaran Nair, learned senior counsel appearing for (A1), (A3) and (A6) respectively supporting the ultimate decision of ·o the High Court submitted that: (i) The outcome of the contract in favour of K. P. Poulose (A4) was based on a "collective decision" by the Board and there was no external pressure from anyone including (A1). (ii) All the decisions taken were in terms of rules/norms applicable to the contract including accepting special conditions.

(iii) Mere acceptance of higher rate would not amount to criminality. (iv) There is no allegation that by awarding contract in favour of K. P. Poulose (A4), (A1) was monetarily benefited. (v) No material to show that there is any wrongful loss to the Board. (vi) Inasmuch as the High Court acquitted all the accused in respect of all the charges on appreciation of oral and documentary evidence, interference by this Court is very limited. In the absence of perversity in such conclusion, normally, this & ORS. [P. SATHASIVAM, J. ] Court would not interfere with the order of acquittal. (vii) In any event, inasmuch as the State has not challenged the order of acquittal, the present appellant being neither a . complainant or heir nor a party to any of the proceedings is not entitled to pursue the present appeal. Accordingly, the appeal 8 is not maintainable and on this ground liable to be dismissed without going into the merits of the claim. 6.

We have carefully analysed the materials placed by the prosecution, the defence, the decision and reasonings of the trial Court and High Court and considered the rival contentions. Interference by this Court in an order of acquittal 7. Learned senior counsel for the respondents by drawing our attention to the reasoning of the High Court and in respect of all the charges leveled against acquitting them submitted that in the absence of perversity in the said decision, interference by this Court exercising extraordinary jurisdiction is not warranted. It is settled principle that an Appellate Court has full power to review, re-appreciate and reconsider the evidence upon which the order of acquittal is founded. The Code of Criminal Procedure (in short 'Cr. P. C') puts no limitation, restrictioll' or condition on exercise of such power and an Appellate Court is free to arrive at such conclusion, both on questions of fact and of law.

An Appellate Court, however, must bear in mind that in case of acquittal, there is double presumption in favour of the accused. The presumption of innocence is available to a person and in the criminal jurisprudence that every person shall be presumed to be innocent unless he is proved guilty by a competent court of law. It is also settled law that if two reasonable conclusions are possible on the basis of the evidence on record, the Appellate Court should not disturb the finding of acquittal recorded by the trial Court. Keeping the above principles in mind, let us discuss the charges leveled, materials placed by the prosecution in support of those charges, reasoning of the Special Court convicting the accused and impugned order of the High Court acquitting all the three accused in respect of the said charges. Statutory Provisions 8. The Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948 (in short 'the Act') was in force at the relevant time.

Section 5 of the Act mandates each State to constitute State Electricity Board for the management and supply of electricity. As per Section 78A, which was inserted by Act 101 of 1956 and came into force w. e. f. 30. 12. 1956, in discharge of its functions, the Board shall be guided by such directions and questions of policy as may be given to it by the State Government. As rightly pointed out by Mr. Shanti Bhushan, learned senior counsel for the appellant that except on policy matters, the State Government has no role in the affairs of the Board. In view of the charges levelled against O A1 who was the Minister for Electricity, Government of Kerala, we adverted to these statutory provisions. A1's interference in the affairs of the Board: ' 9.

It is the case of the prosecution that A1 while he was holding office of the Minister for Electricity, Government of Kerala was interfering in the day-to-day affairs of the Board including transfers, promotions, appointment of employees, granting electric connection to consumers by giving directions to the Board officers. It is also alleged that A1 used to interfere even in awarding of contracts of the Board during his period as Minister for Electricity. One of the main charges leveled against A1 and others is that he, in his capacity, as Minister for Electricity intended to settle contracts of the Board in the name of his favourites or persons of his choice at exorbitant rates with the ulterior object of making illegal profit either to himself or to his favourites. With regard to the above claim, the prosecution has produced evidence through Kuriakose Chennakkadan (PW-64), Jagannad Prasad (PW-66), Managing Partner, C. S.

Company, Kottayam, Alexander Vellappally (PW-138), Managing Director, Asian Tech and & ORS. [P. SATHA~_IVAM, J. ] Kamalasanan (PW-146), Managing Director of M/s We-Build. According to Kamalasanan (PW-146), though he was one of the tenderers for surge shaft work, quoted acceptable rates, could not get the contract work because of the interference of A1. He deposed that, the then Chief Engineer, late Bharathan recommended his work for acceptance by the Board, but he . was further told by Shri Bharathan that he should meet A6 and also to give 5% of PAC as procuring expenses and if the said . amount is not given, the work could not be awarded, hence he met A6 who told him that the rate quoted by him is very low and advised him to settle whether it is workable or not. He further deposed that at the time when A1 was the Minister, A6 was a , Member of the Board who was very powerful having influence over the Minister.

According to him, the voice of A1 is reflected through A6 with regard to the affairs of the Board. 10. Shri Alexander Vellappally (PW-138), Managing Director of Asian Tech, in his evidence deposed that he was asked by A1 to quote for the Lower Periyar Project Headrace Power Terminal in 1980-81 when the pre-qualification system / was introduced in the Board. The tender of Shri Alexander Vellappally was qualified and the lowest when it was evaluated. However, he was informed that further steps for negotiation and discussion regarding the acceptance of the tender would take - -ptace___only with the concurrence of the Minister. He further deposedihat he met A1 several times and also sent letters to him and one letter sent by him to A1 is marked as Ext. P-544. According to him, though he was the lowest tenderer, the work · was not awarded to him, but g! ven to HCC.

He also explained that pre-qualification bid system was misused by the Board · officers, more particularly, in the case of Lower Periyar Works. 11. The next witness who highlighted the above issue is Kuriakose Chennakkadan (PW-64). According to him, the . Minister used to interfere in the award of contracts and when he met A6, he was asked to meet A1. He also deposed that A1 was interested for one KP. Poulose (A4). His work was terminated and it was re-tendered and awarded to K. P. Poulose.... , (A4). 12. Jagannad Prasad (PW-66), Managing Partner of M/s C. S. Company deposed before the Court that while he was doing the contract work of a tunnel for Kakkad Hydro Electric 8 Project, he approached the Chief Engineer Bharathan, who told him that the work could be awarded only as per the directions of the Minister (A1). He further deposed that he had executed a promissory note for Rs. 5,30,000/- in favour of one Yackochan, who acted as a middle man for the commission payment.

He informed the Court that this contract was terminated by the Board. 13. It was highlighted on the side of the appellant that it was during that period, when A1 was Minister for Electricity, the tender process of ldamalayar Tunnel and its concrete lining and surge shaft work was started. It is relevant to note that R. Balakrishna Pillai (A1) was the Minister for Electricity from 27. 01. 1980 to 21. 10. 1981, 26. 05. 1982 to 05. 06. 1985 and 25. 05. 1986 to 25. 03. 1987. The tender for surge shaft was invited and awarded to one E. M. Varkey at 21% below estimated rate. The estimated rate was Rs 74 lakhs for surge shaft. However, the work was abandoned on 28. 03. 1981 due to labour strike. Thereafter, tenders were invited again for the surge shaft and four persons submitted their offers for tenders. The lowest rate was quoted by Mis We-Build Pvt. Ltd. and the next lowest rate was by E. M. Varkey at 57% above PAC.

It is pointed out that though the work was recommended to be awarded, the Board decided to re-tender the work. Accordingly, the tenders were invited again and E. M. Varkey alone quoted for the work. His tender was not accepted since he quoted exorbitant rate. In the meanwhile, pre-qualification bid system was introduced in the Board which is evident from Ext. P-576 dated 24. 09. 1981, which was made applicable to ldamalayar contract works. Thereafter, tender for both the works were . invited by Shri Bharathan, the then Chief Engineer which is & ORS. [P. SATHASIVAM, J. ] evident from Ext. P-46 dated 05. 06. 1981. However, the tender · was cancelled by him which is also clear from Ext P-47 dated 22. 10. 1981. The Chief Engineer extended the validity of the tender upto 29. 04. 1982 and after his demise, the then Chief Engineer (PW-7) extended the validity upto 30. 06. 1982. During that time, two tenders were received, one by K. P. P.

oulose and 8 other by Kuriakose Chennakkadan (PW-64), quoting special conditions. The cover containing the conditions and deviations was opened on 30. 06. 1982, when K. P. Poulose was present in the Board's Office. However, Kuriakose, the other tenderer was not informed and later on 09. 09. 1982, K. P. Poulose was pre-qualified and Kuriakose was disqualified which, according to him, was without notice. The contract for the balance power tunnel and concrete lining work of ldamalayar works was ultimately awarded to K. P. Poulose at 188% of the above estimated rate and the surge shaft work was also awarded to 0 him at 162% above the estimated rate. 14. It is clear from the above materials that the process of tendering of ldamalayar works was interrupted on several occasions mainly by the Board by cancelling the tenders and ordering re-tender and by extending the period of validity of tenders more than once. It was on the last date of extension of the validity of the tender i. e. on 30.

06. 1982, K. P. Poulose appeared and submitted his tender with special conditions which was later accepted in the Board's meeting dated 19. 11. 1982. The Special Judge, basing reliance on Board's resolution (Ex. P550(a)), has rightly concluded that there was inordinate delay in awarding the work which reasoning was not accepted by the High Court. The materials placed clearly show that it was nearly three years to take a decision. It is also clear from the evidence of PWs 64, 66, 138 and 146 which clingingly established the circumstances under which A1 conceived the idea for fixing contract of the Board at exorbitant rate in order to derive monetary benefits. From the above, the contrary conclusion arrived by the High Court, according to us, is not in terms of the evidence led in by the prosecution. 796 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2011] 2 S. C. R. Whether ldamalayar contract was awarded at exorbitant rate causing loss to the Board 15.

The basic stand of the prosecution is that A1 entered into criminal conspiracy to award the disputed contract involving heavy financial gain to K. P. Poulose (A4) and the conspiracy 8 and abuse of power by certain officials enabled the conspirators to earn a pecuniary advantage of Rs. 2,39,64,253/ -, in addition to the financial loss caused to the Board. It is the specific case of the prosecution that rate awarded in both the contracts is exorbitant. It is not in dispute that the contract was awarded at 188% above PAC in the case of tunnel work and 162% above PAC for the surge shaft work. Verification of Ext. P-52(b) shows that the sanctioned estimate for the tunnel work was Rs. 1,17,20,633. 90. On the other hand, the accepted tender amount as per the award of contract was Rs. 2,45,80,796/which is clear from Ext P 52. It is further seen as per Ext P-68 agreement, the sanctioned estimate for surge shaft was Rs. 74 lakhs and it was awarded for Rs.

1,42,94,901/- The estimate for floor concreting was Rs. 479. 5 per M3 and the estimated rate for sides and arches was Rs. 476. 20 per M3. All the above . ' 1 details were highlighted in the evidence by PW-151 a competent Engineer. Likewise, the rate for floor concreting awarded to K. P. Poulose was Rs. 825. 47 per M3. In fact, the calculations made by PW-151 were not seriously disputed by the defence. 16. In order to appreciate the stand that the estimated rate and the tender quoted by K. P. Poulose was exorbitant was demonstrated by Mr. Shanti Bhushan by taking us through the estimated cost of the work awarded to skilled workers brought from Kulamavu and Moolamattom, who were awarded the tunnel driving work on piece rate basis. It is seen that the tunnel driving work was awarded to them at the rate of Rs. 1,250/per M3 which was enhanced later, and finally, at the time, when the workers stopped the work, the rate was Rs. 1,900/- per M3.

This is clear from the settlement memorandum Ext. P-212 V. S. ACHUTHANANDAN v. R. BALAKRISHNA PfLLAI 797 & ORS. [P. SATHASIVAM, J. ] __ signed between the labourers and the Board. This fact was highlighted in the oral evidence of PW-7, Chief Engineer of the Board. In his evidence, he explained that the rate awarded to workers will be Rs. 2,500/- per M3 including cost of materials. PW-156, the Investigating Officer, also gave evidence on the basis of records collected during his investigation. Ext. P-52 agreement shows that the estimated rate for driving one meter tunnel was Rs. 4,090/-. Ext. P-19/Contract Certificate of the Power tunnel shows that the amount paid to the contractor for 24 meters tunnel driving was Rs. 2,39,961/-. ft was highlighted that when the total work was done by the labourers at piece rate basis, they were given Rs. 2,500/- only per M3. The remuneration for 24 meters driving tunnel would come to only Rs. 60,000/- the difference i. e. Rs.

1,79,961 (2,39,961-60,000) would show that the tunnel driving work was given to K. P. Poulose (A4) at an excessive rate. 17. It is pointed out that there is enough material to show that the labourers, who did the tunnel work, were prepared to carryout the balance work of the tunnel at the estimated rate of · Rs. 4,090/-. At the relevant time, the representatives of the workers made a representation to the then Minister for Electricity, namely, R Balakrishna Pillai (A1) informing him that they are prepared to do the tunnel work and allied works at the estimated rate. Divakaran Kutty (PW-24), Vadayattupara Radhakrishnan (PW-33), Sasidharan Nair (PW-34) and Muraleedharan Pillai (PW-46) have given evidence that they represented before the Minister as well as the officials of the Board and informed their preparedness to do the work at the estimated rate and also requested for absorption in the Board's service. In this regard, Mr.

Shanti Bhushan, learned senior : counsel appearing for the appellant heavily relied on the evidence of PW-46 who had gone to meet A1 along with (late) N Sreekantan Nair and submitted a Memorandum Ext. P-287 dated 01. 06. 1982. It is relevant to note the. response of the . Minister (A1) for the above said request. PW-46 stated that A1 ·told them that there is no question of giving the WQrks to the workers and he wants to give the work to K. P. Poulose. This instance pointed out that A 1 had personal interest in K. P. Poulose and had decided to entrust the contract to him, though at that time, the said K. P. Poulose did not submit the tender for the work. We have already noted that K. P. Pou! ose submitted his tender only on 30. 06. 1982 i. e. a month after the memorandum dated 01. 06. 1982 submitted by PW-46. In support of the same, the evidence of PW-122, T. M.

Prabha, the then President of the Kerala Construction Labour Union that he met A1 and gave representations and requested for award of work to the workers at estimated rate and also absorption of the workers in the Board's service on permanent basis is also relevant. Here again, it is relevant to note that PW-122 was also informed that there is no question of awarding work to workers, but the work had to be given to K. P. Poulose. The evidence of PWs-46 and 122 and the statement made by A1 0 to both of them clearly show that K. P. Poulose was the contractor chosen in advance by A1 and other accused who were also interested in him. As rightly pointed out by Mr. Shanti Bhushan, this evidence should be connected with the conspiracy to award the work to K. P. Poulose at exorbitant rate originated even prior to the submission of tenders to the work by K. P. Poulose and other tenderers. The contrary conclusion arrived at by the High Court justifying the award at higher rate to K. P.

Poulose cannot be legally sustained. The Board is empowered with the authority to award contracts and has discretion to accept and being an authority constituted unqer the Statute and a Pubic Undertaking is not expected to accept tenders at exorbitant rates with financial implications causing loss to the Board. The Board is always expected to protect its financial interest while awarding contracts. The Board mainly relied on the labour problem that was prevailing at the relevant time. In this regard, it is relevant to point out that the tender for the ldamalayar work was invited in March, 1982 and four persons, namely, Kamalasanan (PW-146), Managing Director, We-Build, C. K. Verghese, E. M. Varkey and V. A. Thankachan submitted tenders vide Exts. P78 series dated 21. 03. 1982. It & ORS. [P. SATHASIVAM, J. ] is true that the tunnel workers went on strike on 20. 04. 1981 and the contractors submitted their tenders when there was labour unrest.

However, the reason attributed for the delay cannot be accepted. As rightly pointed out, there were procedural irregularities and omissions by the Board authorities in the manner of dealing with tenders submitted by K. P. Poulose and Kuriakose, which ultimately eliminated Kuriakose from the scene, keeping K. P. Poulose as the sole tenderer, qualified by pre-qualification Committee of the Board and hasty steps were taken by the Board in awarding contract in favour of K. P. Poulose in the meeting held on 19. 11. 1982 lead to the conclusion that the award of contract in favour of K. P. Poulose was an exorbitant one. It is relevant to point out that the Special Judge, by adverting to Ext 550(a) expressed that the reasons. stated by the Board in awarding contract in favour of K. P. Poulose at exorbitant rates are not acceptable. No serious discussion by the Board 18.

It is pointed out and in fact taken us through evidence that there was no serious discussion in the Board meeting held on 19. 11. f982 and the minutes of the Meeting were prepared as dictated by A7, the then Chairman of the Board. It is the responsibility of the members, more particularly, full time members of the Board, who were responsible for the scrutiny of the deviations and conditions suggested by the contractor which involved huge financial implications to see that all transactions are beneficial to the Board and within the permissible limit. Mr. Lalit and Mr. Sharan, learned senior counsel appearing for A 1 and A3 respectively heavily contended that it was a collective decision of the Board and ·there was no external pressure from anyone including A1.

It is relevant to point out that the decision ultimately taken for awarding the contract with special conditions, which we will discuss in the later paras, as suggested by the contractor, involved huge financial implications at the risk and loss of the Board. Though the High Court has concluded that the part-time members who were signatory to Ex550(a) had approved the minutes, subsequently, the Special Court made a distinction between the responsibility of full-time members and that of parttime members in the matters of awarding of contract. It is true that all the members present subscribed their signature in the B. minutes in awarding contract to K. P. Poulose. It was highlighted that in evidence, A8, the Financial Adviser to the Board, in his report has stated that the rates awarded to the contractor are very high. The letters sent by A8 were marked as Exs. P-415 and 416.

It is also relevant to point out that the then Law Secretary, Shri Viswanathan Nair also conveyed his opinion during the meeting of the Board that the rates are exorbitant. These aspects were taken note of by the Special Court while considering the culpability of the accused and the High Court was not serious about their views. In other words, the High Court has concluded that the aw2rd of contract to K. P. Poulose 0 was a collective decision of the Members of the Board. The High Court also pointed out which was again highlighted by the learned senior counsel appearing for the accused that majority of the Members of the Board were highly qualified and responsible officers and it cannot be said that they were only mute witnesses to the decision of the Board. In this regard, it is relevant to point out that the Special Court has rightly concluded that there was no serious discussion in the Board Meeting dated 19. 11.

1982 when the question of award of contract was taken up and the minutes of the meeting were prepared as dictated by A7, the then Chairman of the Board. The then Deputy Secretary of the Board, R. Sankaran was examined as PW-140, also admitted this aspect and stated that there was no serious discussion in the meeting held on 19. 11. 1982. He explained that Ex. 550(a) minutes of the meeting is a reproduction of the dictation given by the Chairman of the Board (A7). 19. The High Court has pointed out that the prosecution has not produced any contemporaneous agreement for proving the rates prevalent during the relevant period of award of the I & ORS. [P. SATHASIVAM, J. ] contract. The High Court found that the contract was awarded at 188% above PAC for the tunnel work and 162% above PAC for the surge shaft work.

It was pointed out from the side of the Board that the estimate rate was prepared taking into account the prevalent PWD rates for similar items of work like tunnel driving, concrete lining, earth work, cost of materials, labo'-lr charges, transportation charges of materials to worksite etc. It is not in dispute that the contractor was also given opportunity to conduct site inspection and decide other aspects connected , with the execution of the works for submitting his tender rate. Though contractor can also quote special conditions involving financial implications and other conditions in the contract, which is usually settled by negotiations, but the general conditions of contract shall not be superseded while accepting special · conditions· to the detriment of the Board. The Special Judge 1 had noted that the rate quoted by N. KXuriakose (PW-30) for 0 tunnel driving and surge shaft work was below 21. 75% of the estimated rate and there was much difference in the rate quoted by K. P.

Poulose and Kuriakose. It is further seen that. the work was awarded to Kuriakose at the rate of Rs. 1,092. 3 per M3 for _sides and arches. The work awarded to Kuriakose was abandoned by him since the Board did not provide him with necessary materials for proceeding with the work as per the · agreement. He adduced evidence for the said abandonment and also suffered loss in that regard for which Board was subsequently held liable and he was paid compensation as per the Court orders. The work was awarded to N. K. Kuriakose in . . 1979. The Special Court has pointed out that even though there was an increase of 25%. of the actual rate awarded to Kuriakose, still there was wide difference between the rates at which the two works were awarded and on this ground also, the Special Court held that the works for floor concreting and for sides and arches were awarded to K. P. Poulose at a higher rate. However, the High Court disagreed with the conclusion· of the Special Court.

In this regard, it is useful to refer Ext. P174(2), which is a report with regard to the rate of award of ldamalayar contract. It was stated in the report that the estimate was prepared with the scheduled rate of 1980 which had been enhanced by 25% on labour to obtain 1982 schedule and the work was awarded after the enhancement of the scheduled rates. It is further seen that the estimate was prepared with the scheduled rate of 1980 for the purpose of obtaining the rate of 1982 i. e. increase of 25% in the rate was given in 1980. The High Court has justified the increase of 25% by pointing out the increase mentioned in Ext. P299 which relates to contractor's profit of 10%, overhead charges of 10% and 5% for labour benefits. Though the High Court has agreed' with the 25% increase in the rate of 1980-82, no acceptable evidence was adduced over-riding the documentary evidence furnished by Ext. P-299 and P174(2). Award of contract to K. P. Poulose {A4) 20. It is the argument of Mr.

Shanti Bhushan, learned senior counsel for the appellant that the tendering process adopted by the Board wa~ with a view to eliminate other tenderers and to choose the tenderer of their choice, namely, K. P. Poulose. This was elaborated by pointing out that Kuriakose was disqualified without giving him adequate opportunity to present before the pre-qualification Committee and ultimately K. P. Poulose was declared as qualified. In the said meeting, only A6 and A7 were present and AS, and another member of the pre-qualificaton Committee was not present. Pursuant to the decision that Full Board meeting should be held on 19. 11. 1982 to decide the question of award of ldamalayar contract, PW-7 was directed to issue notice to all the tenderers. The materials relied on by the prosecution shows that on 18. 11. 1982, notices were issued to HCC, E. M. Varkey, Sunny K. Peter and K. P. Poulose. It is seen that only K. P. Poulose was present on 19. 11. 1982. Sunny K.

Peter PW-4 sent a telegram on 19. 11. 1982 stating that he is not physically well. HCC conveyed their inability to the Board by their letter which was received in the office of the Chief Engineer on 22. 11. 1982 stating that there was no sufficient time given to attend the Board Meeting on & ORS. [P. SATHASIVAM, J. ] 19. 11. 1982. Without verifying the fact that whether all the other tenderers were ready, a decision was taken on 19. 11. 1982 itself by accepting the offer of K. P. Poulose with special conditions. As rightly pointed out, the Board being a statutory authority, ought to have waited for a reply from the other tenderers to ascertain whether they actually received notices and reason for their inability to attend. It was demonstrated that itwas a pre-planned attempt to award the work to K. P. Poulose alone and the notices issued to other tend