Section 36
Alternative convictions and amending particulars
of Prevention of Corruption Act
(1)
If, on the trial of any person for any offence under this Act it is not proved that the accused is guilty of the offence charged but it is proved that the accused is guilty of some other offence under this Act, the accused may, notwithstanding the absence of consent under section 31 in respect of such other offence, be convicted of such other offence, and be liable to be dealt with accordingly.
(2)
If on the trial of any person for any offence under this Act there is any material variance between the particulars of the offence charged and the evidence adduced in support thereof, such variance shall not, of itself, entitle the accused to an acquittal of the offence charged if, in the opinion of the court, there is prima facie evidence of the commission of that offence, and in such case —
Prevention of Corruption
B.L.R.O. 1/2019 33
(a)
the court may, notwithstanding the absence of consent under section 31 in respect of the particulars supported by the evidence adduced, make the necessary amendment to the particulars, and shall thereupon read and explain the amendment to the accused; and
(b)
the parties shall be allowed to recall and examine on matters relevant to such amendment any witness who may have been examined and, subject to the provisions of subsection (3), to call any further witness.
(3)
If an amendment is made under subsection (2) after the case for the prosecution is closed, no further witness may be called by the prosecution other than such and on such matters only as it would, apart from the provisions of this subsection, be permissible to call and put in evidence in rebuttal.
(4)
Nothing in this section shall exclude the application of any other law whereby a person may be found guilty of an offence other than that with which he is charged.