Corruption now a ‘heinous’ crime, can attract imprisonment for 7 years

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday brought corruption under the heinous crime category by approving amendments to an anti-graft legislation enhancing the penalty to a jail term of maximum of seven years from the existing five years. The new amendments also pave way for speedy trial of all corruption cases.

The proposed amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, provide for more stringent punishment for bribery offences for the bribe giver and the bribe-taker, official sources said.

To ensure speedy conclusion of corruption cases, a time limit of two years has been proposed. It is also proposed to extend the protection of prior sanction for prosecution to public servants who cease to hold office due to retirement, resignation and so on.

The ambit of the existing law will be enhanced to make commercial entities liable for inducement of public servants. Under the present law, only individuals were liable. Non-monetary gratification will also be covered under the definition of gratification in the existing Act.