Why in news
- The latest Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) report highlighted that over 7,000 CBI-investigated corruption cases remain pending in special trial courts.
What is the CVC and its statutory role?
- Established under the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003 as an independent statutory body.
- Exercises superintendence over the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for offenses investigated under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
Key findings of the report
- A total of 7,229 corruption cases investigated by the CBI are currently pending trial across courts.
- 409 cases have remained stalled in court proceedings for more than two decades.
- Delays stem from procedural appeals, stay orders on trial proceedings, and shortages of dedicated special judges.
Why it matters
- Prolonged trials dilute the deterrent effect of anti-corruption legislation and affect judicial effectiveness.
- Highlights the necessity for systemic judicial reforms, strict enforcement of trial time-limits, and dedicated court infrastructure.
Key terms
Superintendence
The administrative authority to oversee, direct, and review the functioning and case progress of an investigating agency.
Prelims facts
- CVC presents its annual report to the President of India.
Mains discussion
- Impact of systemic judicial delay on administrative integrity and public trust.
Source: Economic Times
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2017 · Q2 · GS II · 10 marks
Critically examine the Supreme Court's judgement on 'National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014' with reference to appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India. -
2026 · Q51 · General Studies · 2 marks
Mr. X, a senior officer, was overseeing a critical vaccination programme during a pandemic. He found that a private service provider responsible for vaccine distribution was compromising on quality to make profits. Despite immense pressure to manage the issue due to vested interests, he raised his voice based on the principles of public administration which he learnt during various training programmes attended across his career. He reported the issue to the appropriate vigilance authority and halted the contract to ensure citizen welfare. Which one among the following principles of public administration was most strongly demonstrated by Mr. X's actions? -
2026 · Q16 · GS II · 15 marks
"Transparency and accountability in governance are not about controlling corruption but about creating the trust of stakeholders in the policy process by following the Rule of Law and Participatory Governance." Comment. -
2026 · Q53 · General Studies · 2 marks
Ms. X is a mid-level civil service official working in the urban development department of a major city. Recently, she was involved in approving a contract for a public infrastructure project - a new community park. During the approval process, she received a piece of confidential information indicating that one of the shortlisted contractors had a history of poor workmanship and allegations of corruption in other cities, though nothing had been legally proven. The Head of the Department, Mr. Y, advised her not to disclose this information to the project committee or the public because it could delay the project and damage the city's reputation. However, Ms. X believed that withholding such information compromised transparency and public trust. What amongst the following should Ms. X do now? 1. Immediately disclose the information to the project committee and the public 2. Recommend removing the contractor from the shortlist to protect the project's integrity 3. Propose a 'limited disclosure' to an oversight committee, while keeping the information confidential from the public for the time being Select the answer using the code given below: -
2025 · Q98 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements about Lokpal : I. The power of Lokpal applies to public servants of India, but not to the Indian public servants posted outside India. II. The Chairperson or a Member shall not be a Member of the Parliament or a Member of the Legislature of any State or Union Territory, and only the Chief Justice of India, whether incumbent or retired, has to be its Chairperson. III. The Chairperson or a Member shall not be a person of less than forty-five years of age on the date of assuming office as the Chairperson or Member, as the case may be. IV. Lokpal cannot inquire into the allegations of corruption against a sitting Prime Minister of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?