THE TOOTHLESS TIGER OF ANTI-CORRUPTION: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE CENTRAL VIGILANCE COMMISSION’S LIMITATIONS AND POTENTIAL

AUTHOR – TRINATH BHATTACHARJEE & PORTIA ROY

STUDENTS AT AMITY LAW SCHOOL

BEST CITATION – TRINATH BHATTACHARJEE & PORTIA ROY, THE TOOTHLESS TIGER OF ANTI-CORRUPTION: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE CENTRAL VIGILANCE COMMISSION’S LIMITATIONS AND POTENTIAL, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (8) OF 2025, PG. 271-279, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

ABSTRACT

Corruption undermines governance, economic development, and public trust, posing significant challenges to India’s democratic institutions. Among the mechanisms to combat corruption, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) plays a pivotal role as a statutory body established to oversee vigilance activities within the central government. Despite its critical mandate, the CVC has often been criticized as a “toothless tiger,” limited by its advisory role, lack of investigative powers, and dependence on other agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for enforcement. This paper critically examines the CVC’s role within India’s anti-corruption framework, focusing on its legal foundations, operational limitations, and the challenges it faces in addressing systemic corruption effectively.

The analysis highlights the Commission’s constrained autonomy, political influence in its functioning, and overlapping jurisdictions with other anti-corruption bodies as key issues that hinder its efficiency. Using case studies and legal precedents, the paper evaluates the structural reforms necessary to strengthen the CVC’s capabilities. Recommendations include granting the CVC independent investigative powers, enhancing inter-agency coordination, and ensuring greater transparency in its operations. By addressing these limitations, the CVC can evolve into a more potent institution capable of meeting the rising expectations of accountability and integrity in governance.