Director General Anti-Corruption’s powers restricted.

Director General Anti-Corruption’s powers restricted.

The Anti-Corruption Establishment Amendment Ordinance 2023 has been issued.

According to the Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment Amendment Ordinance 2023, amendments have been made in Sections 2, 3, and 4 of the Anti-Corruption Establishment Ordinance 1961. Under these amendments, anti-corruption authorities will conduct a preliminary inquiry under Section 3A upon receiving information or a complaint against an officer. This inquiry will assess the identity of the informant and verify the allegations in the complaint. Following the preliminary inquiry, the Director General Anti-Corruption will decide whether a criminal case is formed under Section 3B. If the DG or anti-corruption authorities, after the initial inquiry, determine that a criminal case is established against a government employee based on a complaint, authorities ranging from Grade 1 to 16 can file cases under the jurisdiction of their respective authorities. For officers of Grade 17, administrative secretaries are authorized to file cases, for Grade 18 and 19 officers, the Additional Chief Secretary, and for officers of Grade 20, permission from the Chief Secretary of Punjab is mandatory. Officers of Grade 17 require permission from the Administrative Secretary, officers of Grade 18 and 19 require permission from the Additional Chief Secretary, and officers of Grade 20 require permission from the Chief Secretary for initiating criminal cases. Under the Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment Amendment Ordinance 2023, the Chief Secretary has the authority to issue appropriate orders regarding the legal status of the initial inquiry report of any case for his satisfaction, whether it is pending or completed, as per the directions given by the DG or other anti-corruption authorities.