Supreme Court Hears Challenge to Anti-Corruption Law Changes, Stresses Safeguards for Honest Officers

While hearing a challenge to the 2018 amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act,1988, the Supreme Court emphasised the need to protect honest public servants from stigma and harassment.

The amendments require prior sanction before investigating public officials for corruption. Senior Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioner for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL), argued that the requirement hampers anti-corruption efforts. 

However, the Bench comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and KV Viswanathan observed that the amendments aim to balance the fight against corruption with safeguards for honest officers.

The Court will resume the hearing on August 6.

[Centre for Public Interest Litigation v Union of India]