Question

Identify the correct statements about white collar crime: A. Crime committed by persons of respectability and high social status in course of their occupation are called white collar crime.
B. People committing this type of crime always enjoy immunity from the State.
C. Hoarding, black marketing and adulteration are common forms of white collar crimes in India.
D. Indian government has not been able to develop regulatory mechanism to curb white collar crime due to liberal economic policies. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A & B Only
• B. A & C Only
• C. B & D Only
• D. C & D Only

Hint:

White-collar crimes are usually committed for financial benefit and often involve fraud, corruption, bribery, tax evasion, and adulteration.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept:

• White-collar crime was first defined by sociologist Edwin Sutherland in 1939.
• It refers to financially motivated, non-violent crimes committed by business and government professionals.
• These crimes are characterized by deceit, concealment, or a violation of trust.

Step 1: Verify Statement A
Statement A follows Edwin Sutherland's classic definition exactly. It emphasizes the high social status of the offender and the commission of the crime during their professional duties. Thus, A is correct.

Step 2: Verify Statement B
While white-collar criminals often evade justice due to influence, it is incorrect to say they "always enjoy immunity from the State." Legal frameworks like the PMLA or the Companies Act exist to prosecute them. Thus, B is incorrect.

Step 3: Verify Statement C
Common white-collar crimes in the Indian context include black marketing, hoarding, tax evasion, and food/drug adulteration. These are prevalent forms of economic offenses in the business sector. Thus, C is correct.

Step 4: Verify Statement D
The Indian government has developed multiple regulatory mechanisms, such as the SEBI, ED, and SFIO, specifically to curb these crimes. Liberalization has changed the nature of these crimes but has not prevented the development of regulations. Thus, D is incorrect.

Step 5: Final Selection
Since A and C are the only correct statements, the correct option is (B).