Political System

6.3 Political System

Politically, corruption increases injustice and disregard for rule of law.
Basic human rights and freedoms come under threat, as key judicial decisions
are based on the extent of corrupt bribes given to court officials rather than on
the innocence or guilt of the parties concerned. Police investigations and arrests
may be based on political victimisation or personal vendettas rather than on solid
legal grounds. Commenting on the socio-political consequences of corruption the
Supreme Court of India observed in the judgement cited above that corruption
in a civilised society was a disease like cancer. If not detected in time it was sure
to turn the polity malignant leading to “disastrous consequences”. The apex court
said a socio-political system exposed to such a dreaded communicable disease
was likely to crumble under its own weight.