In this Bill giving and taking bribes are both punished as found earlier.
Minimum punishment as sought in this bill is raised from 6 months to 3 years AND maximum punishment is raised from 5 years to 7 years.
Keeping in mind to comply with the UN’s Convention Against Corruption, the Bill has made 43 amendments filling the gaps in corruption law.
The corruption is now categorized under “HEINOUS CRIME”.
LOKPAL/LOKAYUKTA is taken out and ‘Competent Authority’ is brought in. The Competent Authority is vested with the power to order an investigation against a corrupt official of government, public servant.
The bribe givers can declare that they were coerced to give bribe. If proved, they can claim immunity from punishment.
Dr. Gubbi.S.Subba Rao
Counselor & Advocate