Introduction

Corruption is a complex and complicated social, political and economic issue that is prevalent in all countries but significantly higher and rampant in developing countries. It is a commonly observable feature of modern transition economies and India is not an exception to this prevailing malaise. In fact, India has a rich legacy of corruption which is crippling the potential growth of the economy since long. Though the roots of corruption are deep and strong enough to create the impression that they are invincible, yet, the possibility of their control cannot be ruled out so as to escape the problem. It is quite possible to evolve a mechanism that could combat the potential menace that has thwarted the economy by siphoning of financial resources to hidden locations well beyond the judicial ambit of tax officials. However, the fact remains that policymakers and the law enforcers have failed to deal with this prevailing problem which has impeded the growth of the economy and has caused serious loss to the exchequer.

Andvig et al. (2000) explains that corruption takes place mainly in four main forms. First, in form of bribery, which is related to the payment that is given or taken in a corrupt relationship, and which includes, for example, kickbacks, commercial favouritism on basis of payments or pay-offs. Second, embezzlement which mainly includes theft of resources by employees in charge of supervising them. It may not be measured from a legal point of view, but it is often included in a broader definition. Third, fraud is also a form of corruption which involves manipulation or distortion of information, knowledge and expertise by government officers for their personal interest and gain. Finally, extortion can also be considered a type of corruption as it involves money and other resources taken out by the use of coercion, violence or threats to use power and force.