Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive critical analysis of economic offences in India, aiming to understand their nature, causes, and consequences while evaluating the effectiveness of the existing legal framework in addressing such crimes. Economic offences encompass a wide range of illicit activities that undermine the economic stability, growth, and welfare of a nation. In the Indian context, these offences include fraud, corruption, money laundering, tax evasion, insider trading, and various forms of financial misconduct. Through an examination of empirical data, case studies, and scholarly research, this analysis explores the factors contributing to the prevalence of economic offences in India. It delves into the systemic issues, such as weak regulatory mechanisms, inadequate enforcement, and governance failures that create an environment conducive to such crimes. It examines the limitations of the existing legal framework, including gaps in legislation and loopholes that allow offenders to escape accountability. Furthermore, the study critically assesses the role of financial institutions, corporate governance structures, and regulatory bodies in either preventing or enabling economic offences. Based on the findings, this analysis provides recommendations for policy reforms and strategic interventions to strengthen the prevention and deterrence mechanisms against economic offences. These include enhancing regulatory oversight, improving coordination among law enforcement agencies, promoting transparency and accountability, and raising awareness among stakeholders. Overall, this critical analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of economic offences in India and offers insights into the necessary measures to combat such crimes effectively and foster a more robust and resilient economic environment.

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