Elite white-collar criminals getting away scot-free: Murthy

Bangalore, Jan12 (PTI) Software icon N R Narayana Murthyhas bemoaned that "elite" are going unpunished though theycommit "huge crimes" in the country and saw it as "problemwith this society."

When his reaction was sought on "large-scale white-collarcrimes taking place in the country," the Chief Mentor ofInfosys Technologies Ltd said there should be quickinvestigation based on data and facts and the media should notplay it up.

"And there should be very heavy punishment which iscommensurate with the benefit that those people have indeedgained. If you have quick, commensurate punishment, thenthings will be alright."

"Today, we have so many cases where elite...they just don�tget punished even though they have committed huge crimes.

That�s the problem with this society," Murthy said.

He made the comments responding to questions from themedia after a panel discussion on entrepreneurship and socialchange, organised by the Hyderabad-based Indian School ofBusiness (ISB), on entering its 10th year, at Infosys campushere last night.

Murthy did not discuss specifics but his remarks come at atime when corruption issues continue to dominate the country�spolitical landscape.

He emphasised the need for all businesses to enforce codeof ethics.

"Whether there are scams or not, it�s extremely importantto run your business legally, ethically. That�s the only wayto run the business. It has to be done like that. There is noother way," Murthy said.

He said it�s "absolutely mandatory" to follow code ofethics because "that�s the only way." "It�s like saying:should I follow the rules of the road when I am driving. It�sgood for you, good for others, for everybody."

On tackling corruption in general, Murthy said: "We willhave to get more transparent, fairer and have more open set ofrules and implementation of rules so that you know that thereis no chance for corruption."

He also said that those who occupy positions in the eye ofthe public � whether they are corporate leaders, or academicleaders or politicians or bureaucrats or journalists � have toconduct themselves as good role models "for our childrenbecause we want a better society." PTI RS