THE PREVENTION OF CORRUPTION (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2018

'The Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2013' was enacted by Parliament to amend the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The amendments aimed to strengthen the provisions related to corruption and bribery. Key changes include:

• Omitting sub-section (6) from section 5 of the principal Act.
• Substituting new sections for sections 7, 8, 9, and 10 to define offenses related to public servants being bribed or attempting to obtain a financial advantage.
• Introducing provisions for commercial organizations to be held liable for offenses committed by individuals associated with them.
• Increasing penalties for offenses under the Act, including imprisonment and fines.
• Providing for attachment and forfeiture of property in cases where an offense is committed.
• Introducing procedures for the special Judge to follow when considering applications for attachment or variation of attachment orders.
• Allowing appeals against orders made under this Chapter.

The amendments also included provisions for the disposal of attached property upon termination of criminal proceedings, including forfeiture of amounts procured by the accused and costs of attachment. Additionally, the Act barred any suit or other legal proceeding from being maintainable in respect of property ordered to be forfeited or attached under this Chapter.