Acquitted after 15 years after being sentenced for graft

Bangalore: Acquitted on a bribery charge by the Karnataka High Court after a protracted 15 year battle, Mysore based government official N Malini says she cannot get back the things she has lost during this period.

"I was dismissed from service for no fault of mine. Lokayukta Police booked a bribery case against me. Can it give me back things I lost in last 15 years," she said after the court exnoerated her of the charge of accepting Rs 200 bribe to issue a community certificate in 1997.

Convicted by a Mysore Sessions Court in 2007 on the charge, Malini, a second division assistant at the revenue department was dismissed from service.

She then filed an appeal in the High Court where the case continued for six more years.

A High Court bench,chaired by Justice V Jagannath ruled in her favour about three weeks ago and directed imposing a fine on those who had caused her suffer for the last 15 years.

Malini said she would claim all her dues in the form of increments and arrears pending since 1997.

Her husband Devprakash said his family faced humiliation and insult, affecting Malini's health and that they would seek compensation from the government. "Her increments and raises must be made good too," he said.

The Court, in its Jan 30 order pointed to 'grave inconsistencies' in statements of witnesses and found no evidence of her accepting bribe.