What We Talk About When We Talk About Corruption

The Lokpal Bill movement of Anna Hazare assumes that monetary corruption can be separated from policy and that a skewed set of development priorities can peacefully coexist with complete and transparent financial honesty. This is a fundamental mistake. The Lokpal Bill is not ill-intentioned and some version of it is even necessary. But it needs specificity, clarity, well-defined objectives and constitutionally valid methods. Such a separation of powers is essential. Without it, the Lokpal runs the risk of becoming its own worst enemy.