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Statistics from the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report reveal that Maharashtra recorded the lowest conviction rate in Prevention of Corruption Act cases across the country in 2022, at just 8.2%. The report also highlights that trials were completed in 388 cases in Maharashtra – the highest in the country – but convictions were achieved in only 32 cases. Additionally, Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) statistics show that convictions were secured in just 20 cases last year.
The NCRB statistics has revealed that in 2022, after Maharashtra, Jammu & Kashmir had the lowest conviction rate (14.3%), while Bihar had the maximum conviction rate (83.3%). The NCRB statistics also revealed that in 2022, maximum number of convictions were achieved by Madhya Pradesh (110 cases), followed by Rajasthan (109), Odisha (90), Tamil Nadu (86) and Kerala (85).
Last year, Maharashtra’s ACB had got conviction in 20 cases, in which 29 persons, including eight private persons were convicted. Maximum number of persons who were convicted were Class III government officials. Total amount of fine imposed in 20 convicted cases was Rs 8.14 lakh.
Convictions were achieved against officials from 13 government departments, including Revenue and Land Records, Police, Zilla Parishad, Forest, Urban Development, Health, MHADA, Education, Industries, Energy and Labour, Public Works Department (PWD) and Agriculture. The statistics also revealed that maximum convictions achieved last year were related to the Revenue and Land Records Department (5 cases), followed by Zilla Parishad (3), Police (2), PWD (2).
“Conviction rate in ACB cases in Maharashtra has dwindled to abysmally low level. In more than 90% cases, the culprits go scot-free. It also amounts to colossal waste of resources and time of the state. Not only officers from the ACB but everyone interested in promoting democratic human rights of citizens and associated with the criminal justice system needs to pay serious attention to improve the conviction rate against corrupt public servant,” said former Director General of Maharashtra ACB, Praveen Dixit.
“Effective steps need to be ensured at various levels including complainants, witnesses, investigating ocers, FSL ocers, sanctioning authorities, prosecutors, and judicial officers,” he added.
2022
Trials completed
388
Convictions
32 cases
2024
Convictions
20
Convicted persons
29
Rs 8.14 lakh: Total amount of fine in 20 convicted cases
