In the backdrop of uproar over corruption and blackmoney issues, the central government has sought suggestion from people on a proposed anti-graft law, which will facilitate extradition and prosecution of foreign public officials involved in bribery.
In a public notification, the government sought views and suggestions of general public on the Prevention of Bribery of Foreign Public Officials and Officials of Public International Organisations Bill, 2011 which prohibits accepting or giving gratification by or to a foreign public official or official of public international organisation and makes such acts punishable with imprisonment of upto seven years.
The suggestions on the Bill, which was introduced in Lok Sabha on the last day of the Budget Session and would help India ratify the UN Convention on Corruption, will be accepted till April 30.
Bribery involving foreign public officials in international transactions is not covered under the existing Acts. "Therefore, a need has been felt to bring a legislation to give effect to the Convention," says the Bill.
India already has in place a framework for combating corruption under certain laws - Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 which cover a number of areas that need international standards for criminalisation of bribery.
"Article 16 of the Convention requires that each State Party shall adopt such legislative and other measures as may be necessary to establish as a criminal offence, the giving or taking of undue advantage to or by a foreign public official, directly
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