Examination Scam Exposed: Madras High Court Upholds Conviction in Corruption Case
Accused Found Guilty of Conspiracy, Cheating, and Misconduct in Examination Tampering Case; Appeal Dismissed
News Report: In a significant judgment, the Madras High Court has upheld the conviction of T.V.S. Sarma, the former Examination In-charge at the Mercantile Marine Department, Chennai, for his involvement in a widespread examination malpractice scheme. Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy dismissed Sarma's appeal, affirming the trial court's decision that found him guilty of conspiracy, cheating, theft, and corruption under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
The case, originating from incidents between April 2005 and January 2006, involved Sarma allegedly conspiring with others to tamper with examination answer sheets. The accused, along with intermediaries, facilitated candidates to rewrite answers post-examination in exchange for bribes. The prosecution established that Sarma, as the Examination In-charge, had custody of the answer sheets and collaborated with agents to alter the results, thereby cheating the department.
The appeal was based on the argument that there was no direct evidence of pecuniary benefit received by Sarma and that multiple individuals had access to the answer sheets, raising the possibility of others being involved. However, the court noted the testimonies of approvers and forensic evidence that corroborated the prosecution's case. The court emphasized the clear evidence of answer sheet tampering, the documented conspiracy, and the acceptance of illegal gratification.
Key witnesses included approvers who testified to the scheme's details, describing how the accused facilitated the rewriting of answers after initial submission. Forensic reports further supported the claims, showing mechanical erasures and rewriting on the sheets. The judgment stressed the role of Sarma in orchestrating the malpractice, dismissing the appeal and maintaining the sentence of one year rigorous imprisonment and a fine.
The judgment is a stern reminder of the judiciary's role in combating corruption and upholding integrity in examinations. The accused has been given twelve weeks to surrender and serve the sentence.
Bottom Line:
Examination malpractice involving tampering of answer sheets by the Examination Incharge and others, with the accused found guilty of conspiracy, cheating, and criminal misconduct under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
Statutory provision(s): Indian Penal Code Sections 120B, 381, 420, Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 Sections 13(2) read with 13(1)(d)
T.V.S.Sarma v. State, (Madras) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2780057
