Views sought on bill to curb bribery by foreigners

April 12th, 2011 - 11:36 pm ICT by IANS  

New Delhi, April 12 (IANS) Close on the heels of the government agreeing to speed up the drafting of the Lokpal Bill, the Rajya Sabha secretariat has invited suggestion from public on a bill that seeks to extradite and prosecute foreign nationals holding public office in their countries if involved in bribery in India.

The Prevention of Bribery of Foreign Public Officials and Officials of Public International Organisations Bill, 2011, was introduced in the Lok Sabha March 25. It seeks to book a foreign national “holding a legislative, executive, administrative or judicial office of a foreign country” found accepting or giving bribe to secure a contract in India. He would be liable to be punished for up to seven years in India.

The existing anti-graft laws, including the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, are more domestic centric and do not cover foreign nationals.

This bill was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice for scrutiny. The committee has to report back by June 30, 2011.

The proposed law is a step in the direction of India ratifying the UN Convention Against Corruption.

The Rajya Sabha Secretariat has invited the views of individuals and organisations interested in the matter. The suggestions will be accepted till April 30, 2011, it said.

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