---
title: "Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 — Definition & Meaning"
description: "The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 criminalizes bribery by public servants in India, establishing key investigation and prosecution mechanisms."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/prevention-of-corruption-act-1988"
---

[New](https://modeldiplomat.com/)

#

Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 is the principal Indian statute criminalising bribery and corruption by public servants and prescribing investigation and prosecution machinery.
- What major changes did the 2018 amendment make to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988?
- Who is a 'public servant' under the Act?
- Is proof of demand of a bribe necessary for conviction?
- How does the Act relate to the Lokpal and CVC?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 is the principal Indian statute criminalising bribery and corruption by public servants and prescribing investigation and prosecution machinery.

Go beyond the definition

## Research Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 like a delegate

Model Diplomat's AI drafts position papers, speeches, and country research with real sources — built for MUN and politics students.

## Research it like a delegate

Research on modeldiplomat.com

## Ask a follow-up about Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988

Open a cited briefing in Model Diplomat search — timelines, positions, and sources you can use in committee or exam answers.

[Start research on Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988](https://modeldiplomat.com/search?q=Explain%20Prevention%20of%20Corruption%20Act%2C%201988%20%E2%80%94%20key%20dates%2C%20actors%2C%20positions%2C%20and%20sources)

Example

In 2017 the Supreme Court in State of Karnataka v. Selvi J. Jayalalitha convicted the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's associates under Section 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 for amassing assets disproportionate to known sources of income.

Keep learning

## Go deeper than the definition

Lessons

[Aptitude Foundational Civil Service Values](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/lessons/upsc-ethics-gs4-aptitude-foundational-civil-service-values)[Probity In Governance](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/lessons/upsc-ethics-gs4-probity-in-governance)[Public Civil Service Values Ethics In Administration](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/lessons/upsc-ethics-gs4-public-civil-service-values-ethics-in-administration)

Courses

[Upsc Ethics Gs4](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/courses/upsc-ethics-gs4)

[Explore all Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams lessons](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services)[Test yourself with a quiz](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/quiz/civil-services)

## Take Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 beyond the glossary

Ask the AI research engine built for diplomacy — get briefings, position papers, and speeches with sources you can cite in committee.