The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (PCA) empowers certain officers to inspect bankers’ books in order to investigate offences under the Act. The following are the officers who are authorized to inspect bankers’ books:
- Police officers of the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police or above
- Any other officer authorized by the Central Government or the State Government
Section 18 of the PCA
Section 18 of the PCA deals with the powers to inspect bankers’ books. It provides that an officer authorized to investigate an offence under the PCA may, for the purpose of the investigation, inspect any bankers’ books in so far as they relate to the accounts of the persons suspected to have committed that offence or of any other person suspected to be holding money on behalf of such person.
MCQs on Powers to inspect bankers’ books under the PCA
- Which of the following officers is not authorized to inspect bankers’ books under the PCA?
- A police officer of the rank of Inspector.
- An officer of the CBI.
- An officer of the State ACB.
- An officer authorized by the Central Government.
The correct answer is (a). A police officer of the rank of Inspector is not authorized to inspect bankers’ books under the PCA.
- An officer authorized to investigate an offence under the PCA wants to inspect the bankers’ books of a person suspected of having committed the offence. What should he do?
- He should apply to the bank for permission to inspect the books.
- He should inspect the books without the permission of the bank.
- He should refer the matter to the Magistrate.
- He should wait for the order of the Magistrate.
The correct answer is (a). The officer should apply to the bank for permission to inspect the books.
- The bank refuses to give permission to the officer to inspect the bankers’ books. What can the officer do?
- He can apply to the Magistrate for an order.
- He can inspect the books without the permission of the bank.
- He can refer the matter to the CBI.
- He can wait for the order of the Magistrate.
The correct answer is (a). The officer can apply to the Magistrate for an order.
Conclusion
The PCA empowers certain officers to inspect bankers’ books in order to investigate offences under the Act. The officers authorized to inspect bankers’ books are police officers of the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police or above, and any other officer authorized by the Central Government or the State Government. The inspection of bankers’ books is an important step in the fight against corruption.