In what can be termed as a much needed step the Rajya Sabha on 19th July 2018 passed the Prevention and Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2013 thereby enhancing the punishment for giving or taking bribes. This Bill sought to enhance the minimum punishment from six months to three years, and maximum punishment from five years to seven years.
The cabinet meeting unanimously approved the bill with 43 amendments, which would fill in the apprehended gaps in the country’s anti-corruption law, and at the same time help in complying more effectively with the obligations under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.
The amendment enhancing the punishment up to seven years brings corruption into the “heinous crime” category. It also replaces the Lokpal / Lokayukta with a “competent authority” for sanction of an investigation against a public servant. It even provides for bribe-givers to declare and make a representation within two weeks that they were coerced into giving the bribe, and if proven to be true, they will be entitled to certain immunity.
The Prevention of Corruption Bill was first introduced by the UPA Government in 2013, and the passing or approval of it now is the culmination of 5 years process in which it was examined by the parliamentary standing committee, law commission and then a select committee.