NEW DELHI: Seeking and accepting sexual favours may be considered a bribe under the new anti-corruption law, with the accused getting up to seven years jail term.Under the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018 (notified in July) the term used to define bribery-related offences has changed from ‘financial or other advantage’ earlier to ‘undue advantage’ to make ‘any gratification other than legal remuneration’ punishable. The expression ‘undue advantage’ was previously used by the UN Convention against Corruption, which India ratified in 2011.This means the word “gratification” is thus no longer limited to pecuniary gratifications or to gratifications estimable in money, under the amended anti-corruption law.This, lawyers say, could mean any favours which are non-monetary, including sexual favours. However, the term may need a more specific definition for courts to apply the law to individual instances, they say.Further, the consequential effect of the amendment to the Act is the increase in the ambit of the term “undue advantage”. It must be therefore ensured that there is no misuse of the statute by investigating agencies.The Act was notified in late July by the central government after getting assent from President Ram Nath Kovind. The 2018 law amends the 30-year-old Prevention of Corruption Act , 1988, that covers instances of corruption by public servants.Under the amended law, investigating agencies like the CBI can now book officials for seeking and accepting sexual favours, expensive club memberships and hospitality or for providing employment to close friends or relatives among others.