Pehle log sochte the ki “company to imaginary person hai, isko criminal kaise banaoge?” Ab jurisprudence clear ho chuka: jahan mens rea (guilty mind) responsible officers ka prove ho, wahan company khud bhi prosecution face kar sakti hai.
Fraud, environmental violations, bribery, safety lapses se death, large-scale cheating – aise cases me company as an entity bhi charge sheet me aa sakti hai. Punishment normally fine, compensation, ya specific restrictions ke form me hota hai, jail obviously individuals ke liye hi possible hai.
Courts dekhte hain:
- Wrongdoing senior management ke level pe plan/approve hua,
- Systems failure company culture ka part tha,
- Compliance mechanisms sirf naam ke liye the.
Compliance programs, training, whistleblower channels, and genuine internal action logon ko personal aur corporate dono level pe safeguard dete hain. “Sab industry me aise hi hota hai” defence criminal court me weak padta hai.