This refers to the report “UPA plans a slew of anti-graft laws” (Sept.15). In the first place, there are certain provisions that require the investigating agencies to obtain permission even to initiate investigation against certain categories of public servants, and it appears that the Government is unwilling to do away with that. Second, retention of the requirement to grant sanction for prosecution of corrupt public servants (even after investigation is completed and the matter is before the court) is another hurdle which cannot be crossed that easily. Though a time limit of three months to grant sanction for prosecution is being fixed, the provision that the competent authority, in case of denial of permission, would have to submit its reasons for refusal to the next higher authority for “information” within seven days is hollow, unless the investigating agency is given the chance to appeal against the denial before a competent authority. Is the UPA really serious about containing corruption?
B. Harish , New Delhi
