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

Important Facts for Exams

• Section 17A was inserted into the Prevention of Corruption Act by the 2018 amendment

• It mandates prior approval before enquiry or investigation into official decisions of public servants

• The provision aims to protect officials from frivolous investigations

• Critics argue it dilutes independent anti-corruption mechanisms

• A split verdict in the Supreme Court results in reference to a larger bench