Section 18 The Prevention of Corruption Act,
🔹 Section 18 – The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended)
Title: Power to inspect bankers’ books
📜 Bare Text Summary:
Section 18 empowers police officers investigating a corruption case to inspect and obtain records from banks or financial institutions during an investigation.
✅ Key Provisions:
Inspection Power:
If a police officer conducting an investigation under the PC Act believes that banking documents (like account statements, transaction records, etc.) are necessary for the investigation, they can inspect those records.
Officer's Rank:
The officer must not be below the rank of an Inspector of Police.
No Notice Required to Accused:
The officer can inspect without prior notice to the person being investigated.
📌 Purpose:
To empower investigating agencies like the CBI or Anti-Corruption Bureaus to effectively trace illegally acquired assets, bribes, or disproportionate assets held in banks.
🧑⚖️ Example:
If an IAS officer is suspected of taking bribes and depositing them in multiple bank accounts, the investigating officer can directly inspect those accounts at the bank without needing a warrant or prior court order, under Section 18.
⚠️ Note:
While this section gives power to police officers, it still must be used in accordance with the law and is subject to safeguards (e.g., the evidence must be collected legally and properly documented to be admissible in court).
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