Corruption and Human Rights in India: Comparative Perspectives on Transparency and Good Governance

Corruption in India has become a growing and pervasive concern. It undermines not only the democratic institutions, but also the social fabric, political and bureaucratic structure of the Indian society. This book examines corruption from a human rights perspective. It differentiates between two approaches to dealing with corruption, the criminal law enforcement approach to recognizing criminal culpability and the human rights approach to seeking accountability for corruption. Relying on the latter, it analyses corrupt practices that lead to violation of constitutional rights of individuals. In order to address the systemic inefficiencies in dealing with the problem, this work suggests key legislative and institutional reforms. It also critically examines the present anti-corruption framework, and legislative and institutional measures taken by various governments. Advocating accountability and transparency in governance, this book critically focuses on the right to information and the working of central and state information commissions. It compares India’s experience with some other developing countries in South Asia.

This book will interest lawyers, policymakers, activists, and journalists. It will be useful for teachers and researchers in the area of law, political science, and sociology.