Corruption is a threat to the growth and prosperity of any nation, as the money which should be used for the growth and development of the country is mostly sent out of the country in the form of benami transactions and illegal assets or stored black money without the knowledge of the government, hence hampering the economy and the growth of the country.
“Corruption” generally means dishonest or illegal behaviour by powerful people such as government officials or police officers. A person in power could easily abuse his power or exert his influence so as to commit corruption, say for example, any public official or politician who has control over the public funds could misuse his power and use the funds for personal purposes.
Corruption In India-
As per the 2022 Report of Transparency International, India ranked 85th out of the 185 countries in the matter of corruption, here being last in the list is the best position, thus making India 85th most corrupted out of the 185 nations.
No official data are available which could tell the exact amount of black money in the country, however, in a reply to an RTI in the year 2018, Rs 900 lakh crores is the amount of black money which is unaccounted for. Also, around 300 crore rupees is the amount of Indian currency stored in the Swiss Banks or Offshore Banks. As the amount of corruption is quite huge, the legislature has provided various laws to put a curb on the situation-
Legislations governing corruption in India
Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988-
The Act basically is aimed at the corruption by the Civil Servants in the country. The Act initially had a number of shortcomings such as no provision for those who offered bribes, etc. However, an amendment was brought to the Act in 2013, and certain changes were added to the Act, for example the private sector was brought under the ambit of the Act, taking and giving bribes were both made a punishable crime, etc.
Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013-
The Act came into being after the famous Andolan by the social activist Anna Hazare. It provides the establishment of officers so as to curb corruption, who shall be called as the ‘Lokpal’ at the Central level, while ‘Lokayuktas’ at the state level.
Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002-
Regarded as the most powerful statute in the field of Corruption in India. The investigations under the Act are conducted by the ED or Enforcement Directorate. The Act provides for the ED to confiscate and attach the properties of the accused persons with their abettors at the very initial stage of inquiry, which, if later found to be rightful and legal, shall be restored by the Court.
Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003-
The Act provides for the supervision of the anti-corruption agencies of the country along with the CBI. It has been provided with the authority of a Civil Court, so it can impartially inquire to the corruption cases without any impediments or hurdles.
Black Money (Undisclosed FOreign Income and Assets) and the Imposition of Tax Act, 2015-
The Act provides for the high penal taxes on an undisclosed asset or evasion of any income held by a person abroad who is a resident of India, amongst other charges. The Act thus, targets the assets accrued by any illegal means and corruption activity by a politician or a public servant.
Conclusion
From the above analysis, it could be seen that corruption is not only a threat to the country’s or world’s economy, but it is a threat to the humanity, as there are many families in the country who do not even have the basic amenities for the survival, in case they are to suffer the corruption, such denied from the prescribed ration at the PDS ration shops, or denied free treatment or proper treatment at the government hospitals, these situations should be seriously considered by the authorities as well the citizens of the country.
Whether a corrupted public officer shall be sentenced to capital punishment or not should be left to the legislature and the courts, as a citizen of the country, it should be our duty to bring it to the notice of the appropriate authority in case a corruption has been sighted by them. In case, you have suffered from the corruption of a govt employee or have witnessed the act of corruption by one, you shall immediately contact an appropriate Criminal Lawyer In Gurgaon, so as to take proper action against such official. Similarly, if you are a govt employee and false charges of corruption have been made against you, it would be favourable to seek the opinion of an experienced Criminal Lawyers In Delhi.
Lead India offers you an experienced team of Criminal Lawyers In Lucknow or your city, who have year’s long experience in dealing with cases related to the corruption of public officials or to represent an official who has been falsely charged of such claims.
Visit Us: - https://www.leadindia.law
Call Us: - +91-8800788535
Email: care@leadindia.law
YouTube: - https://www.youtube.com/c/LeadIndiaLawAssociates
Facebook: - https://www.facebook.com/leadindialaw
LinkedIn: - https://www.linkedin.com/company/76353439
Twitter: - https://twitter.com/leadindialaw
Pinterest: - https://in.pinterest.com/lawleadindia
Instagram: -https://www.instagram.com/leadindialawofficial
Comments