2 minAct/Law
Act/Law

Prevention of Corruption Act

What is Prevention of Corruption Act?

The Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted to combat corruption in government agencies and public sector businesses in India. It was enacted in 1988 and amended in 2018 to enhance its effectiveness.

Historical Background

The Act was enacted in 1988 to consolidate and amend the law relating to the prevention of corruption. Prior to this, anti-corruption laws were scattered and less effective. The 2018 amendment introduced more stringent provisions and broadened the scope of the Act.

Key Points

10 points
  • 1.

    Defines offences related to corruption, including bribery, criminal misconduct, and abuse of power.

  • 2.

    Provides for penalties for offences, including imprisonment and fines.

  • 3.

    Section 17A (introduced in 2018 amendment) mandates prior sanction for prosecuting public servants for offences under the Act.

  • 4.

    Covers public servants, including government employees, judges, and employees of public sector undertakings.

  • 5.

    Special courts are established to try offences under the Act.

  • 6.

    The Act also provides for the attachment and forfeiture of property acquired through corruption.

  • 7.

    The 2018 amendment also criminalized the act of giving a bribe, in addition to taking a bribe.

  • 8.

    The Act aims to promote transparency and accountability in public administration.

  • 9.

    Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) plays a crucial role in monitoring and enforcing the Act.

  • 10.

    The Act is applicable to offences committed both within and outside India.

Visual Insights

Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 vs. Amendment 2018

Comparison of the key features of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and its 2018 amendment.

Feature1988 Act2018 Amendment
BriberyOnly bribe-takers were liableBoth bribe-givers and bribe-takers are liable
Prior SanctionNo prior sanction required to prosecute public servantsPrior sanction required to prosecute public servants
Time Limit for TrialNo specific time limitTrials to be completed within 2 years, extendable to 4
Definition of Undue AdvantageNot clearly definedBroadly defined to include any form of favor or benefit
Protection of Honest Public ServantsLimitedEnhanced protection with prior sanction requirement

Recent Developments

5 developments

Supreme Court's split verdict on Section 17A regarding prior approval for prosecution.

Increased focus on investigation and prosecution of corruption cases.

Amendments to strengthen the Act and enhance its effectiveness.

Use of technology and data analytics to detect and prevent corruption.

International cooperation in combating corruption and recovering illicit assets.

This Concept in News

2 topics

Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi Face Charges in Land-for-Jobs Case

17 Feb 2026

The land-for-jobs case highlights the practical application of the Prevention of Corruption Act in addressing alleged corruption in public appointments. This news demonstrates how the Act is used to investigate and prosecute individuals accused of abusing their power for personal benefit. The case also raises questions about the effectiveness of the Act in preventing corruption, as the alleged offenses occurred several years ago. This news underscores the importance of understanding the Act's provisions, its limitations, and the challenges in its implementation. Analyzing this case in the context of the Act provides insights into the ongoing efforts to combat corruption and promote transparency in governance. Understanding this concept is crucial for analyzing news related to corruption and forming informed opinions on governance issues.

Mizoram MP claims defence land scam issue blocked in Parliament

7 Feb 2026

This news highlights the ongoing challenge of corruption in land acquisition, an area particularly vulnerable to abuse. The alleged scam demonstrates how public officials can potentially exploit their positions for personal gain, violating the principles of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The news underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in land procurement processes. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of existing oversight mechanisms. The incident serves as a reminder that even with laws in place, vigilance and strong enforcement are crucial to deterring corruption. Understanding the provisions of the Act is essential for analyzing such news events and evaluating the government's response. This news reinforces the importance of strengthening anti-corruption measures and promoting ethical conduct in public service. Without a thorough understanding of the Act, it is impossible to critically assess the allegations and their potential implications for governance and public trust.

Source Topic

Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi Face Charges in Land-for-Jobs Case

Polity & Governance

UPSC Relevance

Important for UPSC GS Paper 2 (Governance, Polity) and GS Paper 4 (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude). Questions are frequently asked about anti-corruption measures, the role of the CVC, and ethical issues related to corruption.

Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 vs. Amendment 2018

Comparison of the key features of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and its 2018 amendment.

Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 vs. Amendment 2018

Feature1988 Act2018 Amendment
BriberyOnly bribe-takers were liableBoth bribe-givers and bribe-takers are liable
Prior SanctionNo prior sanction required to prosecute public servantsPrior sanction required to prosecute public servants
Time Limit for TrialNo specific time limitTrials to be completed within 2 years, extendable to 4
Definition of Undue AdvantageNot clearly definedBroadly defined to include any form of favor or benefit
Protection of Honest Public ServantsLimitedEnhanced protection with prior sanction requirement

💡 Highlighted: Row 1 is particularly important for exam preparation

This Concept in News

2 news topics

2

Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi Face Charges in Land-for-Jobs Case

17 February 2026

The land-for-jobs case highlights the practical application of the Prevention of Corruption Act in addressing alleged corruption in public appointments. This news demonstrates how the Act is used to investigate and prosecute individuals accused of abusing their power for personal benefit. The case also raises questions about the effectiveness of the Act in preventing corruption, as the alleged offenses occurred several years ago. This news underscores the importance of understanding the Act's provisions, its limitations, and the challenges in its implementation. Analyzing this case in the context of the Act provides insights into the ongoing efforts to combat corruption and promote transparency in governance. Understanding this concept is crucial for analyzing news related to corruption and forming informed opinions on governance issues.

Mizoram MP claims defence land scam issue blocked in Parliament

7 February 2026

This news highlights the ongoing challenge of corruption in land acquisition, an area particularly vulnerable to abuse. The alleged scam demonstrates how public officials can potentially exploit their positions for personal gain, violating the principles of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The news underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in land procurement processes. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of existing oversight mechanisms. The incident serves as a reminder that even with laws in place, vigilance and strong enforcement are crucial to deterring corruption. Understanding the provisions of the Act is essential for analyzing such news events and evaluating the government's response. This news reinforces the importance of strengthening anti-corruption measures and promoting ethical conduct in public service. Without a thorough understanding of the Act, it is impossible to critically assess the allegations and their potential implications for governance and public trust.