Need to amend anti-graft law in the country: SC

NEW DELHI: Amidst growing demand of the civil society for a strong anti-graft law and confiscation of black money, the Supreme Court today sought amendment to the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) to root out corruption in the country.

A bench of justices B S Chauhan and Swatanter Kumar also favoured amendment to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, to tackle spurious drugs.

"In this country, if there are two laws that need to be changed or amended to act as a deterrent, they are laws relating to anti-corruption and sale of spurious drugs," the bench said while dismissing the appeal of an Assistant Excise Commissioner in a graft case.

Rejecting the counsel's plea that conviction of the official Satpaul was erroneous as the alleged bribe amount of Rs 4,000 was more than the "permit fee" of Rs 850, the apex court said there was no logic in the argument as bribe is demanded by officials irrespective of the nature of work.

"Today, the Income Tax department owes over Rs 40,000 crore to tax payers towards refund money. But they don't give it. Why do you think they are holding the money? Because they want some bribe.

"Similarly, take the case of sale and supply of spurious drugs which is rampant in the country. You may prosecute a person but he would get away paying a fine of Rs 500. But by that time, the patient would be dead. So, you need to amend these laws," the bench said.