One year ago, in December 2003, the UN Convention against Corruption was adopted as the first global anti-corruption instrument.   As the Global Corruption Report 2004 of Transparency International (TI) points out, "It sets new standards in domestic and international law, in part by committing its signatories to enhanced cooperation and mutual legal assistance, particularly on the return of assets.  But its success requires political will and a commitment to monitor implementation".

This week the Indian Parliament completed 50 years of its existence. While we had central legislature during British times, the bulk of membership was nominated. In 1946, elections were conducted to the central legislature, but franchise was limited, and only a fraction of the adult population could vote. The first Lok Sabha election of the Indian republic under the new Constitution was held in 1952.