Centre Defends Prevention of Corruption Act Amendments; Supreme Court Reserves Verdict on Their Validity

The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on petitions challenging the 2018 amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, which require prior sanction to investigate public servants.

The Centre, defending the amendments, argued that "not everyone is corrupt" and that safeguards are essential to protect honest officers from harassment.

The petitioners claimed the changes dilute the law and create hurdles in corruption investigations. A Constitution Bench heard arguments from the Centre and intervenors, including NGO Common Cause.

The Court will now decide on the constitutional validity of these provisions, especially Sections 17A and 19 of the PC Act.

[Centre for Public Interest Litigation v Union of India]