MEETING AGENDA
PLAN OF ACTION
Nature and causes of corruption in India Areas of risk for US companies FCPA proceedings involving bribery in India Trends in India Anti-corruption laws Investigation agencies dealing with corruption
General Mindset: bribe giver is victim Motivation: avoid harm or disadvantage, rather than for gaining an advantage
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Administrative delays Excessive burden of regulatory functions on government Government officials vested with personal discretion
CAUSES contd
As identified by Scholarly Literature
Political patronage. Corruption in the political leadership Administrative labyrinth. Cumbersome and dilatory administrative procedures Lack of punishment. Corruption cases handled in a casual and clumsy manner Social environment. Corruption accepted in the social psyche and behavior
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Many involve conduct of an Indian subsidiary Highest monetary penalty, $ 10 million Disgorgement of profits and interest Imprisonment (5 yrs) sought in one case
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TRENDS IN INDIA
Transparency in government Increased public awareness of rights Emphasis on legal and regulatory compliance Movement away from business model relying on undue influence Increased use of technology in dealing with government (e-governance) Contract focus vs. relationship focus in business Implementation of global best practices
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Prohibits the taking of a bribe or other gratification by a public servant public servant expansively defined Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) charged with inquiring into and investigating offenses Prosecution requires prior government approval Imprisonment and monetary fines
INVESTIGATION AGENCIES
Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) Central Vigilance Officer (CVO) at undertaking level Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Enforcement Directorate
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Right to Information Act, 2005 Government Whistleblower Resolution National e-Governance Plan, May 2006 Transparency Efforts in Public Procurement
Integrity pact between government department and each bidder E-procurement, listed as initiatives under National eGovernance Plan CVC guidelines Preventive Vigilance in Public Procurement Defence Procurement Policy
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Have the courage to say NO and stand by it Written policy not to engage in bribery Strict compliance with legal and regulatory requirements Make representation to higher authorities Encourage and implement E-governance Reward ethical behavior within government
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GOALS TO ACHIEVE
Help US companies manage legal compliance challenges Create a level playing field vis-vis local (domestic) companies & other foreign MNCs
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THANK YOU
ANAND S. DAYAL KOURA & CO, ADVOCATES
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