Rajya Sabha passes the amended anti-graft bill; here's all you should know

The Bill makes the act of giving a bribe by both an individual/company to public servants a direct offence and has provisions for punishment of up to 7 yrs of imprisonment, fine or both

The Rajya Sabha on Thursday passed the prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2013, that makes provisions for punishment to those giving bribe to a public servant, through a voice vote.

The Bill amends the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 redefining definitions and penalties for offences such as taking a bribe, being a habitual offender and abetting an offence.

Here are the changes and highlights of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2013:

1. Giving bribe is a specific and a direct offence.

2. It makes provision for protection to 'coercive' (forced to pay bribe) bribe givers if the matter is