Compulsory detention, confiscation necessary to fight vice of corruption, says Madras High Court

Compulsory attachment and confiscation were essential to combat the vice of corruption that affected every section of society, the court said. File | Photo credit: The Hindu

The purpose of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 is not only to punish those found guilty of corrupt practices but also to ensure that the fruits of such corrupt practices do not remain available to those who obtained them through illegal means for their use or disposal, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court said.

Justice B. Pugalendhi said attachment of assets acquired through corrupt means or wealth disproportionate to known sources of income is an important part of such a mechanism and that corruption and corrupt practices must be viewed more seriously than any other crime.

Compulsory attachment and confiscation were essential to combat the vice of corruption that affected every section of society, the court said.

The court said it was of the view that necessary changes must be made in the Prevention of Corruption Act and attachment of assets believed to have been obtained through corrupt means and wealth disproportionate to known sources of income must be made mandatory.

Only if such strong and deterrent measures were prescribed under the law, the court said, could the government effectively seize assets and instill fear in the minds of officials who were using corruptly acquired assets.

Otherwise, these provisions would remain only on paper, without any deterrent effect, the Court said, hoping that the government would take the initiative and introduce suitable changes in the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Published – October 4, 2026 11:07 AM IST