Anti-corruption body to fast track high-profile cases to increase deterrent value

The Central Vigilance Commission has decided to fast-track cases against senior civil servants and public sector managers accused of corruption.

Under the new order, cases involving bribery, embezzlement or fraud of over Rs 10 crore or those involving senior civil servants will be fast-tracked. In addition, the commission has given itself the discretion to fast-track high-profile cases so that their punishment has a demonstrative effect on other employees.

It would be the “personal responsibility” of chief vigilance officers to ensure that the timelines are strictly followed.

The CVC decision comes on the backdrop of a study that revealed it took them an average of 10 years to complete an inquiry and take the case to a logical conclusion.

Cabinet secretary PK Sinha and central vigilance commissioner KV Chowdary have repeatedly stressed that delays not only harassed the innocent but also made it easier for the guilty to get away. Even when penalties were imposed, the inordinate delay diminished their deterrent value.

Chowdary, who considers reducing delays as the most important task before him, earlier considered reducing the number of cases the CVC handled, but the idea failed to get traction. He now hopes to work around this impediment but focussing more on important cases.