Corruption not only stifles economic growth but also affects socio-political growth of country: Gujarat High Court

Corruption not only stifles the economic growth of a country but also affects its social and political development, observed the Gujarat High Court on Monday [Sunil Kumudchandra Rana vs State of Gujarat]..Justice JC Doshi added that corruption must, therefore, be dealt with strictly."Corruption can seep into many aspects of society creating a ripple effect of negative consequences. It can erode trust in institutions, stifle economic growth and exacerbate social inequality. Corruption has widespread effect. It is not only affecting country's economic growth but social and political as well. Corruption should be handed with strict hand," the judge said. .The Court made the observation while turning down an anticipatory bail application filed by a Ward Inspector of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) in connection with a corruption case.The accused AMC Ward Inspector, Sunil Rana, had been booked in a disproportionate assets case, for allegedly amassing wealth beyond his known source of income to the extent of over 300 per cent .An enquiry had been initiated against Rana concerning the wealth amassed by him from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2020 (checking period). It was alleged that during these 10 years, Rana possessed wealth beyond his known source of income to the extent of 306 per cent. It was further alleged that an amount of ₹2.75 crores was found in excess of Rana's total income, expenditure, etc.As per the prosecution, prior to checking period, Rana's wealth was at around ₹ 2.92 lakhs. However, at the fag end of the checking period, Rana was said to have acquired movable and immovable property to the tune of ₹ 3.25 crores. It was submitted that during the checking period of 10 years, Rana earned ₹ 89.89 lakhs from a known source. Further, the total expenses during the checking period was around ₹ 42.22 lakhs."All these aspects have been drawn by the investigating officer and come to the conclusion that the petitioner has amassed total unaccounted movable and immovable property worth Rs 2.75 crore which is 306 per cent higher than the known source of income of the petitioner," the Court noted. .The bench also noted the petitioner's (Rana) argument that his father-in-law had granted him some amounts and that, therefore, all his wealth was not ill-gotten. "Even if this submission is considered to be true there is reason to believe that huge amount runs in seven figures is accumulated by the petitioner as ill-gotten wealth. At the same time, it is also to be considered that the petitioner's father-in-law gave more than Rs 1 crore to his family members but whether it is loan or is gift or paid for some reason is not cleared. This transaction without any explanation itself is also auspicious and mistrustful," the Court said. The Court proceeded to opine that prima facie, it appeared that an economic offence under the Corruption Act had been committed, which would cause serious threat to the economic structure of the country. .It, therefore, proceeded to reject Rana's anticipatory bail plea. "Considering the nature and gravity of the alleged offence, whereby huge amount of crores of rupees is disproportionated by the government officer, this Court is not inclined to grant bail to the petitioner," the Court said. .Advocate Virat Popat appeared for the petitioner. Additional Public Prosecutor Soham Joshi represented the State. .[Read Order]