Administrative Accountability

7.2 Administrative Accountability

Another essential component of anti-corruption strategy is the strict
enforcement of the principle of accountability at all levels. In India the
government performs vast functions over a wide range of areas of public
concern. Decisions are taken at various levels of government in which
discretionary power may be involved. The present situation is that there is
general lack of accountability in administration. Almost everyone in the public
services is accountable to no one and is considered above the law. Respect for
the rule of law is woefully uncommon and it is often noticed that those who
violate the law in the most blatant fashion are the ones who get away the easiest.
The judiciary has a key role in ensuring that political and administrative
power is used only in accordance with law and every one is held accountable for
wrong doing or misuse of authority. Recent decisions given by the judiciary have
created a hope for corrective action. The apex court and several high courts have
upheld cases against political and administrative functionaries at the highest
levels. The cases involving former chief ministers of Tamilnadu and Bihar are

illustrative of judicial activism that has come to the rescue of rule of law against
the custodians of law themselves. The recent action of the Central Vigilance
Commissioner of putting the names of administrative and police service officials
on the internet against whom charges of corruption are pending has also gone a
long way in instilling the sense of responsibility and accountability among these
officials.