In its most general sense, corruption means the perversion or abandonment of a standard. Hence it is common to speak of language or of moral corruption. More narrowly corruption refers to the abandonment of expected standards of behaviour by those in authority for the sake of unsanctioned personal advantage.
In Indian political and social system, corruption has the following forms: Nearly all political leaders, caste leaders and bureaucrats misuse their power. They try to get all government contracts, petrol pumps, gas agencies for their family members or for those who pay them money.
Corruption is a global phenomenon. Corruption is a disease in both endemic and epidemic. It makes mockery of administration, development and democracy. Corruption in public life has reached an alarming stage and has emerged globally a sensitive issue.
A corrupt person is termed immoral, dishonest and unscrupulous in his dealings. His disregard for honesty, righteousness and truth results in his alienation from society. He is treated with contempt.
In present spectrum an honest man is like a drop in the ocean which loses its identity as soon as mingles virtually in the salt water of ocean, corruption is a common practice, a way of life.
Corruption is a global phenomenon, found in one shape or the other whether the country is a democratic, kingship, Socialist or Communist, developing or a developed. Hardly a country is free from the clutches of the devil of corruption.
Corruption in any form is treated as an incurable disease, a cause of many social and economical evils in the society and it damages the moral and ethical fibres of the civilization.