P. Somaraju vs. State of Andhra Pradesh 2025 INSC 1263

Bribery Allegation Rejected: Key Precedent Set by Supreme Court.The Court underscored the vital role of corroborative evidence beyond a complainant’s testimony and highlighted procedural safeguards in trap cases. Key Takeaways:✅ SC reiterated that appellate courts have full power to review and reappreciate evidence in appeals against acquittal, but interference is limited by a reinforced presumption of innocence.✅ Acquittals should not be disturbed unless the trial court’s view is perverse, unreasonable, or unsupported by evidence.✅ The complainant’s inconsistencies and the procedural irregularities in the trap operation weakened the prosecution’s case.✅ HELD : Assistant Commissioner had the statutory authority to inspect registers and documents, & allegations of "creative procedure" were unsustainable.Statutes:✅ Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988;✅ Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973#SupremeCourt #AntiCorruption #CriminalLaw