Strengthening of Ethical and Moral Values — Ethical Standards

Entry	Year	Description	Impact
Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act	2018	This amendment significantly altered the PC Act, 1988. It redefined criminal misconduct, introduced the offense of 'undue advantage', made bribe-giving a direct offense, and set a time limit for trial completion. Crucially, it inserted Section 17A, which mandates prior approval from a competent authority before initiating an inquiry or investigation against a public servant.	The amendment aimed to protect honest officials from frivolous prosecution, thereby encouraging decisive decision-making. However, critics argue that Section 17A could act as a shield for the corrupt, creating a procedural hurdle for investigative agencies. It represents a shift in balance between protecting honest officers and ensuring swift accountability for corrupt ones, a key theme in ethical governance debates.