Anyone who seeks or accepts sexual favors may land up in jail under anti-graft law. They will be considered a bribe under the new anti-corruption law. The accused may get up to seven years jail term, a senior official said on Monday.
The Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018 includes the broad term ‘undue advantage’ which covers all gratification other legal remuneration including expensive club memberships and hospitality, the official explained. According to the amended law, the word ‘gratification’ does not cover only pecuniary gratifications or to gratifications estimable in money.
“Officials can now be booked for seeking and accepting sexual favours or for providing employment to close friends or relatives,” the official was quoted by PTI as saying. This is first time when bribe givers have been covered in any domestic legislation to check corruption.