Convictions in corruption cases higher under UPA govt

New Delhi: There has been a sharp decline in the number of convictions in corruption cases probed by the CBI since 2014, Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh said various courts convicted 3,078 people in corruption cases between 2013 and 2016.

The data, presented by him, shows CBI prosecuted 673 for alleged corruption and were acquitted by courts in 2013 and there was a sharp decline in the conviction rate of accused facing graft charges.

As many as 1,136 persons were convicted in 2013, but the figure started declining in the years that followed with 993 convictions in 2014 and 878 in 2015. Till January 31, 2016 only 71 persons were convicted for graft charges, the data stated.

"As per provisions of Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, the superintendance over Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in respect of investigation of Prevention of Corruption Act cases vests with the Central Vigilance Commission," he said.

The minister said the CVC conducts a monthly review meeting with Director CBI where, among other things, an in-depth review of the progress of investigation of cases under PC Act is done.

"Supreme Court in a catena of judgements, from time to time and more recently in M L Sharma Vs Union of India (commonly known as coal block allocation cases) called for the independence and autonomy of CBI and as such the Central Government does not interfere in the investigation of cases carried out by CBI," he said.

The minister said CBI also conducts periodical meetings of its senior officiers in which, inter alia, the investigation of cases is reviewed in detail.

"In addition, all court orders are scrutinised in CBI and appropriate action is taken thereafter," he said.