The Calcutta High Court has urged agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to strive for nearly 100% conviction rates in corruption cases, drawing inspiration from nations like Japan and Singapore, where such rates hover around 80%. This push aims to steer India towards a corruption-free status, aligning with the high standards set by developed countries.

During the hearing of a bail plea by Kuntal Ghosh, an accused in the cash-for-jobs recruitment scam, a division bench consisting of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Ajay Kumar Gupta made an oral observation:

To fight corruption, the conviction rate of the accused should be increased. You must have 100% conviction rate against corruption. Whichever country has been successful in fighting corruption has an 80-90% conviction rate against corruption. Look at Japan and Singapore.

DSG Dhiraj Trivedi, representing the central agencies, requested the court for an extension of time to file a report in the matter, whereas the counsel for the accused asserted that they had not received any illegal gains.

The bench informed the DSG that cases of corruption, particularly those of significant magnitude, should be promptly resolved and should not be allowed to fade from public memory. It also voiced concerns about the possibility of certain officers from the agency colluding with the accused and indicated that it would request the Director to investigate such alleged instances.

In accordance with the court's direction, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) was granted time to submit its report, and the case was adjourned for a subsequent hearing date.

Case: In re: Kuntal Ghosh

Case No: CRM (DB) 681 of 2024