Definition
Anti-corruption watch.
System to prevent corruption in government.
Etymology & Origin
From Latin 'vigilantia' meaning wakefulness or watchfulness. In Indian administrative law, it specifically denotes the institutional framework dedicated to maintaining integrity and preventing corruption.
Full Legal Analysis
In the context of Indian administrative law, Vigilance refers to the systemic oversight and internal mechanisms established within government departments, public sector undertakings, and agencies to prevent, detect, and penalize corruption, malpractice, and abuse of power by public servants.
It is not merely post-facto investigation, but involves preventative measures such as system audits, surprise inspections, and implementing transparency protocols.
Every major government department has a Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) who acts as a liaison between the department and the Central Vigilance Commission. Vigilance inquiries can lead to departmental disciplinary proceedings or referral to the CBI for criminal prosecution under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
A landmark Supreme Court judgment that emphasized the need for an independent and robust vigilance mechanism, leading to the statutory status of the CVC.
For advocates defending public servants, understanding vigilance manuals and procedural safeguards during departmental inquiries is as critical as understanding the criminal trial process.
