Corruption

🎯 How This Word Works in UPSC Writing

The abuse of entrusted power for private gain. The governing criminal statute is the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and its 2018 amendment moved in two directions at once, which is what makes it examinable. It made bribe-giving a distinct offence under Section 8, closing a long-standing asymmetry, while sparing the person who was an unwilling giver. It also inserted Section 17A, barring any enquiry, inquiry or investigation into a decision a public servant took in discharge of official duty without prior approval of the competent authority, though approval is not needed in trap cases where the servant is caught accepting a bribe. The defence of Section 17A is that officers will not take bold decisions if every judgement invites investigation; the objection is that it blocks scrutiny at the threshold. In January 2026 a two-judge Supreme Court bench split on it, one judge holding the provision unconstitutional and the other holding it valid only if the power to approve moved from the executive to an independent authority such as the Lokpal or Lokayukta, and the matter went to the Chief Justice for a larger bench, so the provision stands meanwhile. India scored 39 and ranked 91st of 182 on the Corruption Perceptions Index 2025, below the global average of 42.