By all accounts, year 2010 has been a year of scams. These did not happen suddenly. They were taking place all the while over a number of years; only they became known publicly during the year. These, the ones in the public domain, are certainly not the only scams. Surely, there are many more that have not reached the stage these have in terms being noticed. 

Many have questioned the silence of the PM while these scams were going on right under his nose. Yet, both media and many others have said that they do not question his integrity. A persons integrity is perhaps, not determined not by whether one is personally corrupt, but also by how much one tolerates or accepts corruption. In the case of the PM, the issue is further complicated by the fact that it was his duty to prevent it.

The Government now says that they would bring a law to ensure speedy trial of corrupt politicians and bureaucrats. Is this a ploy? Skeptics would think so. After all one of the first acts of the UPA - 1 Government was to amend the Prevention of Corruption Act to make it mandatory for obtaining prior sanction of Government to prosecute even retired public servants. Media, while lauding the Government initiative, tinged with some doubt, have not referred to this. 

What is the use in talking of speedy trial if sanction to prosecute could be delayed?

Why is it necessary to take Government sanction for launching prosecution, when Constitutional authorities like, Lok Ayukta have come to prima facie conclusion to proceed against the delinquents?

Let the Government, if it is sincere about fighting corruption, do away with the need for Government sanction to prosecute public servants. Let them leave it to the courts and other authorities to decide.