Sandeep Manudhane, a prominent figure, has articulated a stark and concerning evolution in the nature of corruption within India. He argues that corruption is no longer confined to the overt and easily recognizable form of suitcases brimming with cash. Instead, it has metamorphosed into a more insidious and deeply embedded phenomenon, becoming structural, institutionalized, and, crucially, ‘legal’ in its manifestation. This shift, according to Manudhane, is the primary reason why a significant portion of the Indian populace fails to perceive its pervasive presence.
Historically, corruption was often associated with direct acts of bribery, the exchange of physical currency for favors, or the misappropriation of public funds in ways that were readily identifiable. These were tangible offenses that, while damaging, could be pointed to and understood by the common citizen. The notion of corruption conjured images of illicit deals, backroom negotiations, and the blatant misuse of power through overt illegalities.
However, Manudhane’s analysis points to a more sophisticated and pervasive form of corruption that has taken root in contemporary India, particularly under the umbrella of what he terms ‘#NewIndia’. This new paradigm of corruption operates within the very frameworks of governance and economic systems. It is no longer an outlier activity but has become an integral part of the structure itself. This ‘structural’ corruption suggests that the rules, regulations, and bureaucratic processes are designed or manipulated in such a way that they inherently facilitate corrupt practices, even if these practices are not explicitly outlawed.
Furthermore, the ‘institutionalized’ aspect implies that corrupt practices have become normalized within various institutions – be it government bodies, regulatory agencies, or even certain sectors of the private economy. This means that the mechanisms and personnel within these institutions are either complicit in or have become desensitized to corrupt dealings. The system itself perpetuates these practices, making them a routine, albeit unethical, way of functioning.
The most alarming element of this evolving corruption, as highlighted by Manudhane, is its ‘legal’ facade. This does not necessarily mean that the actions are strictly within the letter of the law. Instead, it suggests that corrupt practices are often cloaked in legality or operate in gray areas of legislation, making them exceptionally difficult to prosecute or even to identify as corrupt. This could involve exploiting loopholes, engaging in opaque tendering processes, creating complex financial instruments that obscure illicit gains, or utilizing legalistic jargon to justify actions that are ethically bankrupt. When corruption wears the guise of legitimacy, it becomes exceptionally challenging for the public to challenge.
This transformation has profound implications for democratic accountability and public trust. When corruption is systemic and operates within the supposed boundaries of legality, it erodes the very foundations of governance. Citizens become disillusioned as they witness what appears to be an unassailable system that benefits a select few at the expense of the many. The inability to clearly identify and address corruption leads to widespread apathy and a sense of powerlessness among the populace.
Manudhane’s critique serves as a wake-up call, urging a re-evaluation of how corruption is understood and combated in India. It calls for a deeper examination of the systemic issues that enable such pervasive ‘legal’ and institutionalized corruption, moving beyond the simplistic notion of individual acts of bribery. The challenge lies in dismantling these deeply entrenched structures and fostering a culture of transparency and genuine accountability. The hashtags #NewIndia and #corruption used by Manudhane underscore the contemporary relevance and the national scope of this critical issue. Source: Sandeep Manudhane
Sandeep Manudhane: Corruption is no longer in suitcases full of cash. It is now structural, institutionalized and “legal”. That is why most Indians fail to see it. #NewIndia #corruption. #breaking
— @sandeep_PT May 1, 2026
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