The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988

Last updated: October 25, 2025 Type: Article

The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 is India's main law to punish corruption among public servants — such as government officers, politicians, judges, and employees of government bodies. It targets both the giver and taker of bribes, ensuring transparency and fairness in public administration.

Key Highlights

Covers both sides: Taking or giving bribes is illegal.
Who's a public servant: Government officers, ministers, judges, employees of government-owned companies, and anyone performing public duties.
Bribes include: Money, gifts, services, employment, or any benefit to get or avoid official work.

2018 Amendment:

(2018 Amendment)

The person offering the bribe can also be punished.
"Facilitation" or "speed money" is also illegal.
Prior approval from higher authority is needed before prosecuting senior officers.

Purpose of the Act

To keep governance clean and accountable.
To punish corrupt public servants and those who try to influence them.
To build public trust by making government decisions transparent.

Where to Complain About Corruption

Authority	Description	Website
Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)	Supervises all corruption cases involving central government employees	www.cvc.gov.in
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) – Anti-Corruption Wing	Handles serious corruption cases across India	cbi.gov.in
State Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB)	Investigates state-level corruption complaints	Visit your state ACB site (e.g. acb.maharashtra.gov.in, acb.rajasthan.gov.in)
Lokpal / Lokayukta	Independent body to investigate public functionaries	lokpal.gov.in
Departmental Vigilance Officers	Accept complaints against specific government departments	Available on department websites (e.g., income tax, railways, etc.)

Helpline Example:
CBI Anti-Corruption Helpline: 011-24362755
CVC Complaint Portal: https://portal.cvc.gov.in/

Punishments

Offence	Punishment
Taking or demanding a bribe	3 to 7 years (can extend up to 10 years) + fine
Giving a bribe	Up to 7 years + fine
Attempting to bribe	Punishable if intent is proven
Abetment or aiding in corruption	Same punishment as main offender

State-wise Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Websites

State	ACB Website
Maharashtra	acb.maharashtra.gov.in
Rajasthan	acb.rajasthan.gov.in
Gujarat	acb.gujarat.gov.in
Karnataka	acb.karnataka.gov.in
Telangana	acb.telangana.gov.in
Andhra Pradesh	acb.ap.gov.in
Tamil Nadu	dgp.tn.gov.in
Kerala	vigilance.kerala.gov.in
Uttar Pradesh	upvigilance.gov.in

FAQs – Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988

Q. What is corruption under this law?: A. Any act where a public servant takes or demands money, gifts, or favours for official work.
Q. Is giving a bribe also illegal?: A. Yes. Both giver and taker are punishable.
Q. What if I was forced to give a bribe?: A. You must report it within 7 days to the police, CVC, or ACB. You won't be punished if you report it.
Q. What if the officer only demands a bribe but doesn't take it?: A. Even the demand itself is a crime.
Q. Is "speed money" to get work done faster legal?: A. No. Even to speed up legitimate work, giving money is bribery.
Q. Can private people be punished under this law?: A. Yes. If they offer or help in giving a bribe to a public servant.
Q. Can senior officers be investigated freely?: A. No. Prior approval from higher authority is needed before prosecuting senior officials.
Q. Are politicians covered under this Act?: A. Yes. Ministers and elected representatives are also public servants.
Q. What if corruption happens in public sector banks or PSUs?: A. The same law applies — PSU employees are public servants.
Q. Can someone complain anonymously?: A. Yes, but giving detailed evidence and identity helps the investigation.
Q. Can digital or gift card bribes count?: A. Yes. Any form of benefit (cashless or otherwise) is covered.
Q. Is this Act only for big scams?: A. No. It applies even to small bribes, like ₹500 for document clearance.
Q. What if a complaint is false?: A. False complaints can lead to punishment under Section 248 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.