Former Central Information Commissioner highlights independence, impartiality, competence, accountability, courage and protection of honest decision-making
HYDERABAD : The Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI), Hyderabad, hosted the 7th Prof. S. Venugopal Rao Memorial Oration on the theme “How India Fights Corruption – The Institutional Credibility Test.” The oration was delivered by Shri Yashovardhan Jha Azad, IPS (Retd), Former Central Information Commissioner, former Secretary (Security), Government of India, and former Special Director, Intelligence Bureau.
The programme commenced at 5:15 PM with a welcome address by Dr N. Ramesh Kumar, IAS (Retd), Director General, ASCI.
In his opening remarks, Shri K. Padmanabhaiah, IAS (Retd), Chairman, Court of Governors, ASCI, recalled the enduring legacy of Prof. S. Venugopal Rao and emphasised the continuing importance of institutional integrity and accountability in modern governance.
Delivering the Memorial Oration, Shri Azad observed that India has developed a substantial legal and institutional framework to combat corruption, but its effectiveness ultimately depends on the credibility of the institutions entrusted with enforcing it.
Six Pillars of Institutional Credibility
Shri Azad identified six essential pillars for credible anti-corruption institutions:
- Independence – Institutions must have the operational autonomy to function without external or political pressures.
- Impartiality – Investigation and enforcement must be consistent and free from double standards.
- Competence – Institutions must continuously strengthen their capabilities to address increasingly sophisticated financial and economic crimes.
- Accountability – Institutions exercising investigative and oversight powers must themselves remain accountable for their performance and conduct.
- Courage – Public servants and investigators require institutional support to withstand pressures and act with integrity.
- Protection of Honest Decision-Making – Bona fide administrative decisions should be protected from malicious prosecution so that public officials can take legitimate decisions without undue fear.
Shri Azad also highlighted the changing nature of corruption and financial crime, including the growing complexity of digital transactions, offshore structures, shell companies and cryptocurrencies, underscoring the need for stronger investigative capabilities and institutional capacity.
He drew attention to the consequences of prolonged delays in corruption cases, observing: “If the accused is guilty, deterrence is diluted by the delay; if he is innocent, the process itself becomes punishment.”
Reflecting on his experience as a Central Information Commissioner, Shri Azad also underlined the role of transparency, citizen participation and the Right to Information in strengthening institutional accountability.
The Memorial Oration was instituted in memory of Prof. S. Venugopal Rao, remembered for his contributions as a scholar, researcher and police officer. The event was endowed by the Prof. S. Venugopal Rao Memorial Charitable Trust and was held at ASCI’s Bella Vista Campus, Raj Bhavan Road, Hyderabad.