Question

Think about the following statements in relation to "The prevention of Corruption Act". 

(a) Giving Bribes is not an offense under the Act.

(b) Controller of Examinations, of Mumbai University, is also a "Public Servant" under this Act.

choose the correct answer:

1. (a) correct (b) wrong
2. (a) wrong (b) correct
3. Both (a) and (b) correct
4. Both (a) and (b) wrong

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : (a) wrong (b) correct

The correct answer is (a) wrong (b) correct.

• Prevention of Corruption Bill, 2018
  • The Prevention of Corruption Bill, 2018 was passed by Parliament which seeks to amend the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
  • Key Features
    • Offering bribe: The Bill introduces the offence of giving a bribe as a direct offence. However, a person who is compelled to give a bribe will not be charged with the offence if he reports the matter to law enforcement authorities within seven days. Hence statement (a) is correct.
    • Criminal misconduct: The Bill redefines the provisions related to criminal misconduct to only cover two types of offences: fraudulent misappropriation of property; and Illicit enrichment (such as amassing of assets disproportionate to one’s known sources of income).
    • Prior approval for investigation: Before a police officer conducts an investigation into an offence alleged to have been committed by a public servant, prior approval of the relevant government or competent authority should be taken. Such approval would not be necessary in cases that involve the arrest of a person on the spot on the charge of taking a bribe.
    • The time period for the trial of cases: As per the Bill, the endeavour should be made to complete the trial by a special judge within two years. This period may be extended for up to six months at a time, for recorded reasons. However, the total period for completion of the trial may not exceed four years.