BLACK MARKETING – A SOCIO-ECONOMIC OFFENCE

Abstract

The term ’black-marketing’ is obscure and difficult to define precisely. However, attempts by sociologists, criminologists and jurists have been made from time to time to explain its true meaning. The actual origin of term ‘black-marketing’ is not clearly known, although it seems to have been identical with ‘black’ to indicate ‘illegal activities’ occurring under conditions of great-secrecy. It is common knowledge that certain professions offer lucrative opportunities for criminal acts and unethical practices which hardly attract public attention. There have been crooks and unethical persons in business, various professions and even in public life. They tend to become unscrupulous because of their neglect at school, home and other social institutions where people get training for citizenship and character building. These deviants have scant regard for honesty and other ethical values. Therefore, they carry on their illegal activities with impunity without the fear of loss of prestige or status. The crime of this nature is called ‘blackmarketing’ and they are essentially an outcome of competitive economy of mid-twentieth century. The white-collar crimes which are common to Indian trade and business world are hoardings, profiteering and black marketing.  Violation of foreign exchange regulations and import and export laws are frequently resorted to for the sake of huge profits.