Should India take anti corruption tips from Brazil?

Brazil scored 3.8 out of 10 in Transparency International's corruption perceptions index. 10 being regarded as the least corrupt. Compare this with its BRIC peers. Russia at 2.4, India at 3.1 and China at 3.6. Yet Brazil is currently gripped by an anti corruption battle. One that involves very senior members of its politico. Getting a sense of deja-vu? Wait before you jump to any conclusion. The circumstances that have led to the anti-corruption uprising in Brazil are similar to that in India. But the legal outcome is entirely different. And hence we chose to highlight here some the key learning for India from Brazil's anti corruption law.

Corruption in Brazilian politics is not very different from that in India. Politicians were found guilty of using public money to pay secret monthly stipends to opposition members in return for their support. As per Financial Times, as many as 72 politicians have been murdered in Brazil in the past 30 years. So while the crime rate is high in Brazil's politico, the difference lies in the fact that the guilty are brought to book. That too by the legal system. Even the likes of the former President were subjected to tough sentences on being found guilty. As against that, in India, civilians are left to point out corrupt practices in political and corporate world.

Some of the legal reforms instituted by Brazil are particularly relevant to India. One of them is the ficha limpa, or "clean slate" law. This law prevents people convicted of crimes from running for public office. Another law that prevented the Brazilian Supreme Court from trying federal politicians without prior approval from the government has also been revoked. Haven't we been asking for such laws since long? It is time even the legal system in India gets its act together.

The quality of Indian polity seems to be deteriorating day by day. It is time for citizens to wake up and take a stance against this. If you feel this way too, then help create a 'snowball' effect to save India's democracy and growth story. Make your voice heard.

Also do you think the Indian legal system should adapt anti corruption laws like the ones in Brazil?

The above is from the mail I received from Equitymaster.

I totally agree and feel the the judiciary should be even stronger against our politicians.

Look around you.

Robert Vadra was just a brass scrap dealer from Moradabad.

Vadra met Priyanka Gandhi when she was 13 and got married in 1997. The couple have two children ,a son Raihan and daughter Miraya.

Rajendra Vadra, father of Robert Vadra, was found dead at a guest house in Yusuf Sarai area in new Delhi in 2009. His elder brother, Richard, committed suicide in 2003 and Michelle ,his sister, died in a car accident in 2001. So most of his family hae died unnatural deaths under suspicious circumstances.

He owns, Artex, a company specializing in jewellery and handicraft exports.

Hyderabad-based Karni Jewellers provides the masterpieces to this company.

His companies have received advance payments from DLF Limited for purchase of land, India's largest real estate conglomerate.

Sky Light Hospitality Pvt Ltd (owned by Vadra and his mother Maureen Vadra), is a partner in a firm that owns Hilton Garden Inn in the South Delhi business district Saket. DLF Hotel Holdings is another partner in this firm.

Blue Breeze Trading Pvt Ltd (aircraft chartering)

North India IT Parks Pvt Ltd

Real Earth Estates Pvt Ltd

Sky Light Realty Pvt Ltd.

Has the income tax department enquired how he has amassed so much wealth in just 15 years.?

Has he paid necessary income tax and wealth tax?

Take another case.

On 25th September, Ajit Pawar, th Dy. CM of Maharashtra and nephew of NCP strongman, Sharad Pawar was forced to resign because of Irrigation scam. Why has no enquiry by the income tax department been institute against him and his uncle Sharad Pawar?

I am sure, the government would open a pandora's box if it started and enquiry.