The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 is a law made to stop corruption by public servants (like government officers, politicians, etc.). It punishes anyone who takes or gives bribes to misuse power or influence decisions.
Key Points:
- Bribery is illegal – both for the person taking and the person giving the bribe.
- A “public servant” includes government employees, ministers, judges, etc.
- Taking money, gifts, favors, or benefits for doing or avoiding official work is corruption.
- The 2018 amendment made it stricter:
- Even the person offering a bribe can be punished.
- Bribes done for “official work” are not allowed anymore.
- Permission from higher authority is needed before investigating senior officials.
Purpose:
- To keep public servants honest.
- To make government work more transparent and fair.
- To punish both giver and taker of bribes.
FAQs – Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
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Q. What is the Prevention of Corruption Act?
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A. It's a law to stop corruption by punishing government officers and others who take or give bribes.
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Q. Who is a “public servant” under this law?
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A. Anyone working in the government—officers, ministers, judges, employees of government companies, etc.
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Q. Is giving a bribe also a crime?
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A. Yes. After the 2018 amendment, both giving and taking bribes are punishable.
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Q. What is considered a bribe?
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A. Any money, gift, or favor given to get work done illegally or to influence a public servant.
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Q. Can private individuals be punished under this law?
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A. Yes, if they offer bribes to public servants.
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Q. What is the punishment for corruption?
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A. Jail from 3 years to 7 years (can be extended to 10 years) and fines.
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Q. Can someone be punished for just offering a bribe?
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A. Yes. Even offering a bribe is a crime now, unless reported to the authorities quickly.
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Q. Is giving money for faster work also bribery?
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A. Yes, even if it’s to speed up legal work, it is still considered bribery.
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Q. Can officers be arrested without permission?
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A. No. For senior public servants, government permission is needed before starting investigation or prosecution.
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Q. What if a public servant demands a bribe but doesn’t take it?
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A. Demanding a bribe is also a crime, even if the money is not actually taken.
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Q. What if someone is forced to give a bribe?
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A. That person must report it to the police within 7 days. If done, they may not be punished.
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Q. Is corruption only about money?
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A. No. It includes gifts, services, jobs, favors—anything of value.
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Q. Who investigates corruption cases?
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A. Anti-Corruption Bureaus (ACB), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), or vigilance departments.
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Q. Are politicians also covered under this law?
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A. Yes. Ministers and elected officials are also considered public servants.
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Q. Can someone make a complaint anonymously?
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A. Yes, but giving proper details and evidence helps the investigation.
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