Speaking at a workshop on ethics in governance and transparency in public procurement organised by Vigilance Study Circle here in association with Transparency International India, he referred to prevention of corruption act, I-T act and excise and customs act in this context.
"What I find is that we have been following some of the laws enacted by Britishers in the 19th century", he said.
And while India is following those laws, Britain has shed "all kinds of laws", progressed and has advanced legal system in that country, where laws are simple and more effective, added Garg, who also spoke to reporters later.
"Inertia in our system is not good. We are continuing with antiquated laws even after 200 years or 150 years. That shows apathy towards innovation", Garg said.
He favoured greater participation of the society -- civil society, NGOs, government bodies and media -- in terms of suggestions on making the proposed laws more simple.
Asked if bringing back black money stashed away abroad is actually tough as made out by the Government, Garg said the mutual legal agreements that India has with other countries are not helping.
India has not reached a stage where it can confidently ask them (other countries) or request them to help (in bringing back black money). "One of the reasons (for not able to bring back black money) is that we are not getting their cooperation)".
He also said India needs to bring down cash transactions in the country and move towards a "cashless society" to combat corruption.
Chairman of Transparency International India P S Bawa regretted that even after two decades, the Benami Transaction Prohibition Act enacted of 1989 is yet to be notified. "It has become a dead act".
