Supreme Court Delivers Split Verdict on Section 17A of Prevention of Corruption Act

The Supreme Court delivered a split verdict on Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2018, which requires prior approval before investigating public servants for corruption related to official duties. Justice B.V. Nagarathna ruled the provision unconstitutional, citing it protects corrupt officials and undermines accountability, while urging youth to reject illicit wealth. Justice K.V. Viswanathan upheld the provision’s validity, emphasizing the need to shield honest officers from frivolous probes and proposing independent authorities like the Lokpal to grant sanction. The case is now referred to the Chief Justice of India for a larger bench decision.