THE IMPACT OF INCOME INEQUALITY ON THE PREVALENCE AND PROSECUTION OF WHITE-COLLAR CRIME IN INDIA

AUTHOR – ARYA AGRAWAL, STUDENT AT CHRIST DEEMED TO BE UNIVERSITY PUNE, LAVASA

BEST CITATION – ARYA AGRAWAL, THE IMPACT OF INCOME INEQUALITY ON THE PREVALENCE AND PROSECUTION OF WHITE-COLLAR CRIME IN INDIA, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (7) OF 2026, PG. 882-890, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

Abstract

This paper examines how income inequality in India affects white-collar crime and its prosecution. It says that when some people have more money than others, it creates chances for rich people to do bad things, changes what people think is fair, and affects how well the system can investigate and prosecute big economic crimes. The paper examines laws such as the Indian Penal Code, the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the Companies Act. Looks at how the enforcement agencies like the CBI, ED and SFIO work. It shows that when the gap between people and everyone else gets bigger, there is more white-collar crime. It does not stop people from doing bad things as much, and some people are prosecuted while others are not. The paper suggests that the government should watch companies closely, make sure everything is clear, and help people who do not have a lot of money get fair treatment in the justice system. White-collar crime is a problem, and the paper wants to find ways to reduce white-collar crime and make the prosecution of white-collar crime more effective.

Keywords: Income inequality, white-collar crime, economic offences, prosecution, India, socio-legal analysis, enforcement agencies