Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988

The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (PCA) is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted to combat corruption in government agencies and public sector businesses in India. The PCA defines corruption and prescribes punishment for corrupt practices.

Sections of the PCA

The PCA has 19 sections, divided into 6 parts. The following are some of the key sections of the PCA:

  • Section 2: Definitions of terms used in the PCA.
  • Section 7: Bribery of a public servant.
  • Section 8: Taking gratification by corrupt or illegal means by a public servant.
  • Section 13: Criminal misconduct by a public servant.
  • Section 16: Punishment for abetment of offences under the PCA.
  • Section 19: Power of the Central Government to make rules.

MCQs on the PCA

  1. Which of the following is not an offence under the PCA?
    • Bribery of a public servant.
    • Taking gratification by corrupt or illegal means by a public servant.
    • Criminal misconduct by a public servant.
    • Abetting an offence under the PCA.

The correct answer is (c). Criminal misconduct by a public servant is an offence under the PCA, but abetting an offence under the PCA is not.

  1. Who is a public servant under the PCA?
    • A person who is employed in the service of the Government of India or of a State.
    • A person who holds a post in a local authority or a statutory corporation.
    • A person who is in the service of a company incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956.
    • All of the above.

The correct answer is (d). All of the above are public servants under the PCA.

  1. What is the punishment for a public servant who is convicted of bribery?
    • Imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years and fine.
    • Imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years and fine.
    • Imprisonment for a term which may extend to fourteen years and fine.
    • Imprisonment for life and fine.

The correct answer is (a). The punishment for a public servant who is convicted of bribery is imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years and fine.

Conclusion

The PCA is a comprehensive law that covers a wide range of corrupt practices. The PCA has been effective in deterring and punishing corrupt practices, and it has helped to improve the transparency and accountability of government agencies.