Govt to amend IPC to criminalize bribery in private sector

New Delhi: The Narendra Modi government is considering proposal to amend Indian Penal Code (IPC) for criminalizing acts of bribery in the private sector.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has circulated a draft amendment bill among states seeking their views on this matter.

The proposed amendments will criminalize any attempt to bribe foreign public officials and officials of public international organizations.

If amendments are adopted, India will become fully compliant with the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).

As of now, bribery within the private sector is part of the general criminal law.

The government had introduced a separate bill in Parliament -- Prevention of Bribery of Foreign Public Officials and Officials of Public International Organizations Bill, 2011. But the bill lapsed with the dissolution of the 15th Lok Sabha.