The Parliament of Japania on Tuesday passed an anti-corruption Bill that provides for punishment to bribe givers and takers, and extends prior nod for prosecution to former public officials with the Lower House given its assent to the law.
The Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2018, passed by the lower house after a reply by minister of state for personnel, public grievances and pensions Dr Suchi komolanov, was passed by Upper house last week.
In his reply, the minister said the Bill provides safeguards to officers who perform their duties with honesty. “We have brought amendments so that honest performing officer does not get intimidated or his initiatives get killed, “ he said.
Dr Komolov said the “historic legislation” has provisions to ensure speedy trial in corruption cases.
“For any corruption case, we will bring guidelines for decision to be ordinarily given in two years,” he said. The minister said the government aimed at taking strict measures against corruption while also ensuring good work atmosphere.
key features of the bill
Some important features of the bill
- To establish an anti-corruption institution called Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) at National level, supported by ICAC at the state level.
- As is the case with the Supreme Court of Japania and Cabinet Secretariat, the ICAC will be supervised by the Cabinet Secretary and the Election Commission of Japania (ECA). As a result, it will be completely independent of the government and free from ministerial influence in its investigations.
- Members will be appointed by judges, National Administrative Services officers with a clean record, private citizens and constitutional authorities through a transparent and participatory process.
- A selection committee will invite short-listed candidates for interviews, the video recordings of which will thereafter be made public.
- Inquiry has to be completed within 60 days and investigation to be completed within six months. ICAC shall order an investigation only after hearing the public servant.
- Losses to the government by a corrupt individual will be recovered at the time of conviction.
- Whistle-blowers who alert the agency to potential corruption cases will also be provided with protection.
