Central Act | Act No. 45 of 2003

Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003

A section-wise guide to the constitution, powers and functions of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), including preliminary inquiry, investigation, Commission proceedings, inquiries, annual reporting and miscellaneous provisions.

Act number45 of 2003
Enactment date11 September 2003
SubjectCentral vigilance and anti-corruption oversight

The Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003 provides the statutory framework for the Central Vigilance Commission. It deals with the Commission's constitution, appointment and service conditions of the Central Vigilance Commissioner and Vigilance Commissioners, its supervisory and inquiry-related functions, and connected matters concerning specified categories of public servants and bodies under the Central Government.

Current-law note: The Act should be read with subsequent amendments and allied anti-corruption legislation, including amendments made through the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. For authoritative current text, use the official India Code link in the right sidebar.

Chapter I - Preliminary

Section 2 - Definitions

Section 1: Short title - This Act may be called the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003.

Chapter II - The Central Vigilance Commission

Section 3 - Constitution of Central Vigilance Commission Section 4 - Appointment of Central Vigilance Commissioner and Vigilance Commissioners Section 5 - Terms and other conditions of service Sections 6-7 - Removal and power to make staff rules

Chapter III - Functions and Powers of the Central Vigilance Commission

Section 8 - Functions and powers of the Central Vigilance Commission Section 8A - Action on preliminary inquiry in relation to public servants Section 8B - Action on investigation in relation to public servant Section 9 - Proceedings of Commission Section 10 - Vigilance Commissioner to act as Central Vigilance Commissioner in certain circumstances Section 11 - Power relating to inquiries Sections 11A-12 - Director of Inquiry and judicial proceedings

Chapter IV - Expenses and Annual Report

Sections 13-14 - Expenses charged on the Consolidated Fund of India and Annual Report

Chapter V - Miscellaneous

Sections 15-16 - Protection of action taken in good faith; Commissioners and staff as public servants Section 17 - Report of inquiry made on reference by Commission Sections 18-19 - Power to call for information and consultation with Commission Sections 20-21 - Power to make rules and regulations Sections 22-23 - Parliamentary laying and removal of difficulties Section 24 - Existing Vigilance Commission Section 25 - Appointments of officers of Directorate of Enforcement Section 26 - Amendment of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946 Section 27 - Repeal and saving

What the CVC Act covers

The Act establishes the Central Vigilance Commission as a statutory body and sets out its institutional structure, authority over specified vigilance and anti-corruption matters, powers relating to inquiries, supervision and reporting, and procedural safeguards governing Commission proceedings. The precise scope of jurisdiction in any individual matter depends on the statutory text in force and the status of the public servant or organisation concerned.

This page is a legal-information guide. For filing, compliance or litigation, verify the current statutory text, notifications, rules and applicable judicial decisions.