Mahindra & Mahindra Limited Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption (ABAC) Policy
Mahindra & Mahindra Limited Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption (ABAC) Policy
Mahindra & Mahindra Limited Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption (ABAC) Policy
Anti-bribery and
Anti-corruption (ABAC) Policy
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Copyright © 2019 Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. All rights reserved.
Name of Document Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy
Version 1.0
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Copyright © 2019 Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. All rights reserved.
Contents
1. POLICY STATEMENT ....................................................................................................................................... 4
2. PURPOSE ........................................................................................................................................................ 4
3. SCOPE ............................................................................................................................................................. 4
4. BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION ........................................................................................................................... 5
5. FORMS OF BRIBERY THAT POSE THE GREATEST RISK .................................................................................... 5
a. Gifts and Hospitality................................................................................................................................... 5
b. What is not acceptable? ............................................................................................................................ 6
c. Political Contributions................................................................................................................................ 6
d. Charitable contributions and sponsorships ............................................................................................... 6
e. Facilitation payments and Kickbacks ......................................................................................................... 6
6. RESPONSIBILITY OF EMPLOYEES .................................................................................................................... 7
7. GETTING HELP ................................................................................................................................................ 7
8. THIRD PARTY MANAGEMENT ........................................................................................................................ 7
9. RECORD-KEEPING........................................................................................................................................... 8
10. WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF BRIBERY OR CORRUPTION?......................................................... 8
11. WHISTLEBLOWING ..................................................................................................................................... 8
12. ENFORECEMENT - DISCIPLINARY APPROACH ............................................................................................ 9
13. TRAINING AND COMMUNICATION ............................................................................................................ 9
14. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE POLICY? ....................................................... 9
15. MONITORING AND REVIEW ..................................................................................................................... 10
SCHEDULE 1 - RED FLAGS ..................................................................................................................................... 11
SCHEDULE 2 ......................................................................................................................................................... 14
ANNEXURE A – ANTI-BRIBERY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION (ABAC) COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATION - EMPLOYEE. 14
ANNEXURE B – ANTI-BRIBERY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION (ABAC) COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATION – THIRD PARTY
AGENT .............................................................................................................................................................. 15
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Copyright © 2019 Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. All rights reserved.
ANTI-BRIBERY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION POLICY
1. POLICY STATEMENT
Mahindra & Mahindra Limited (the ‘Company’ or ‘Mahindra’) practices a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and
corruption and is committed to act professionally and fairly in all its business dealings and relationships and in
implementing and enforcing effective systems to counter bribery and corruption in any form.
Mahindra mandates compliance with all applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws in all markets and
jurisdictions in which it operates. Bribery is a serious criminal offence in jurisdictions in which the Company
operates, including India (Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, Indian Penal Code, 1860, etc.), the United Kingdom
(UK Bribery Act, 2010), the United States of America (Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, 1977) and other applicable
laws where bribery offences can result in the imposition of severe fines and/or custodial sentences, exclusion
from tendering for public contracts and severe reputational damage. Whoever we, as a Company or as individuals,
may deal with, and wherever we may operate, we are committed to doing so lawfully, ethically and with integrity.
The basic tenets of anti-bribery and anti-corruption are postulated in the Mahindra Code of Conduct. This Anti-
Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy (the ‘Policy’ or ‘ABAC Policy’) has been formulated and designed to provide
a framework for ensuring compliance with various legislations governing bribery and corruption globally and
provides guidance on the standards of behaviour to which we must all adhere.
The Mahindra Group’s commitment is to always act with integrity to ensure that we are trusted by our customers,
colleagues, business partners, and the communities in which we operate. As part of this commitment, any form
of bribery and corruption is not acceptable. We prefer foregoing business opportunities rather than paying bribes.
2. PURPOSE
1) set out our responsibilities, and those of anyone working for and on our behalf, in observing and
upholding our position on bribery and corruption in government and non-government (private
commercial) dealings;
2) provide information and guidance to those working for us, including but not limited to our entire supply
chain and any third party (or their affiliated enterprises conducting business with the Company) on how
to recognize and deal with bribery and corruption issues.
3. SCOPE
The Policy applies to the entire Mahindra employees and all third parties of any type.
“Employee” includes all directors, officers, employees engaged directly or indirectly, wherever located regardless
of grade and position, in terms of all dealings and transactions in all countries where the Company operates.
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“Third party” means any individual or organisation who has business dealings with the Company and includes
actual and potential business associates, customers, contractors, subcontractors, business partners, suppliers,
distributors, business contacts, agents, technical and other consultants and government bodies and officials or
any other person associated with or acting on behalf of the Company.
Bribe is anything of value, including money, gifts and entertainment, other business courtesies, hospitality, or
personal gratification given, offered, or received in an attempt to influence a person’s behaviour, in order to
obtain or retain business, or to secure an unfair benefit or advantage.
Corruption is dishonest behaviour by those in positions of power, such as managers or Government Officials.
Corruption can include giving or accepting bribes or inappropriate gifts, under-the-table payments or benefits,
diverting funds, laundering money, and defrauding investors.
In this case you would be committing an offence as you are making the offer to gain an improper commercial and
contractual advantage. The Company may also be found to have committed an offence because the offer has been
made improperly to obtain business for us. It may also be an offence for the potential customer to accept your
offer.
It is an offence for a supplier to make such an offer. It would be an offence for you to accept the offer as you would
be doing so to gain an improper personal advantage.
There can be numerous types or forms of bribery and corrupt practices, but the following areas pose the greatest
risk:
a. Gifts and Hospitality
This Policy recommends that all Employees assess the intention behind any gift or hospitality given or received.
Gifts or Hospitality, with the intention of improperly influencing one’s decision-making ability or making the
recipient feel unduly obligated in any way, shall never be offered or received. The Company prohibits the offer or
receipt of gifts or hospitality that are not reasonable and bona fide. The Company has a separate policy on Gifts
and Entertainment which should be referred to for further details.
The giving or receipt of gifts or hospitality is not prohibited, if the following requirements are met:
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i) it is not made with the improper, quid pro quo intention of influencing a party to obtain or retain business
or a business advantage, or to reward the provision or retention of business or a business advantage, or
in explicit or implicit exchange for favours or benefits;
ii) it complies with local law;
iii) it is given in the name of the Company and not in the name of the employee;
iv) it does not include cash or a cash equivalent (such as gift certificates or vouchers);
v) it is appropriate in the given circumstances and is reasonable and justifiable;
vi) it considers the reason for the gift, it is of an appropriate type and value (refer to Policy on Gifts and
Entertainment for further guidance) and given at an appropriate time;
vii) it is given openly, not secretly; and
viii) it is not offered to, or accepted from, government officials or employees, or politicians or political parties,
without the prior approval of the Line Manager/General Counsel.
For further information, please refer to the Policy on Gifts and Entertainment.
c. Political Contributions
The Company upholds its commitment to not support any specific political party or have any political affiliation.
No political contributions shall be made on behalf of the Company either directly or indirectly to any political party
or for any political purpose without the prior approval of the Board of Directors. No employee shall use his job
title or Company affiliation in connection with political activities.
The Company shall ensure that charitable contributions and sponsorships are not used as a vehicle for bribery.
We shall publicly disclose all our charitable contributions and sponsorships and ensure that all such transactions
are legal and ethical under local laws and practices.
e. Facilitation payments and Kickbacks
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Facilitation payments are small expediting or grease payments made to Government Officials to facilitate or
expedite the performance of a routine, non-discretionary governmental action that a Government Official is
already obligated to perform, such as issuing certain permits, licenses, visas and mail. Facilitation payments do
not include any decision by a Government Official to award new business or to continue business with a Company.
A kickback is a form of negotiated bribery in which a commission is paid to the bribe-taker as a Quid Pro Quo for
services rendered. The remuneration (money, goods or services handed over) is negotiated ahead of time. The
kickback varies from other kinds of bribes in that there is implied collusion between agents of the two parties,
rather than one party extorting the bribe from the other. The purpose of kickback is usually to encourage the
other party to cooperate in the illegal scheme.
The Company prohibits facilitation or grease payments or kickbacks of any kind, regardless of whether such
payments are permitted under applicable law. It is also our policy that we work to ensure that our agents and
other intermediaries, joint ventures and consortia, contractors and suppliers do not make facilitation payments
or kickbacks on our behalf. If you have doubts about a payment and suspect that it might be considered a
facilitation payment, check with the General Counsel for expertise and guidance. Any suspicions, concerns or
queries regarding a payment should be raised with the General Counsel. If the demand is accompanied by
immediate threat of physical harm or arrest then put safety first, make the payment and report immediately to
the Senior Management/General Counsel the circumstances and amount of the payment.
6. RESPONSIBILITY OF EMPLOYEES
All employees shall ensure that they have read and understood this Policy and must at all times comply with its
requirements.
The prevention, detection and reporting of bribery and other forms of corruption are the responsibility of all those
working for the Company or under its control. All employees are required to avoid any activity that might lead to,
or suggest, a breach of this Policy.
Employees shall notify their Line Manager or consult the General Counsel, as soon as possible, if they believe or
suspect or have a reason to believe or suspect, that a breach of this Policy has occurred, or may occur in the
future.
An employee who breaches any terms of this Policy shall face disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.
The Company reserves the right to terminate a contractual relationship with third parties or associated persons if
they breach this Policy. The Company may also report the matter to relevant authorities.
7. GETTING HELP
For further guidance regarding this Policy, you may contact the Line Manager or General Counsel.
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To minimize the risk of doing business with a corrupt third party, the Company shall assess the third party and
confirm that it is a legitimate business with a reputation for integrity. Before engagement, the Company shall
subject each third party to the due diligence process. Subsequently, every third party shall complete the annual
certification as mentioned in this Policy. Please refer to Annexure B for the Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption
(ABAC) Compliance Certification – Third Party Agent.
No employee shall circumvent the Company’s policies and procedures by using the third party to do what the
Company would not do itself.
All Red Flags with respect to a third party that signify a heightened risk to the Company must be reported. (Please
refer to SCHEDULE 1 for examples of Red Flags).
9. RECORD-KEEPING
Mahindra’s books and records shall be fair and accurate and reasonably detailed.
The Company shall keep financial records and have appropriate internal controls in place, which shall evidence
the business reason for making payments to third parties.
The Company shall declare and keep a written record of all gifts and hospitality accepted or offered, which shall
be subject to managerial review.
The Company shall ensure all expense claims relating to hospitality, gifts or expenses incurred to third parties are
submitted in accordance with our Policy on Gifts and Entertainment and specifically record the identity of any
third parties and the reason for the expenditure.
All accounts, invoices, memoranda and other documents and records relating to dealings with third parties, such
as clients, suppliers and business contacts, shall be prepared and maintained with strict accuracy and
completeness. No accounts shall be kept off-book to facilitate or conceal improper payments.
It is important that you tell your Line Manager or the General Counsel as soon as possible if you are offered a
bribe by a third party or are asked to give a bribe or suspect that this may happen in the future.
11. WHISTLEBLOWING
Employees who refuse to accept or offer a bribe, or those who raise concerns or report another’s wrongdoing,
are sometimes worried about possible repercussions. The Company encourages openness and supports anyone
who raises genuine concerns in good faith under this Policy, even if they turn out to be mistaken. If a violation of
the relevant laws or policies is proven, appropriate action shall be taken.
Mahindra shall not tolerate retaliation in any form against anyone for raising concerns or reporting what they
genuinely believe to be improper, unethical or inappropriate behaviour. All reports shall be treated confidentially.
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The Company is committed to ensuring no one suffers any detrimental treatment as a result of refusing to take
part in bribery or corruption, or because of reporting in good faith their suspicion that an actual or potential
bribery or other corruption offense has taken place or may take place in the future. Detrimental treatment
includes dismissal, disciplinary action, threats or other unfavourable treatment connected with raising a concern.
If you believe that you have suffered any such treatment, inform the General Counsel immediately.
The Company’s ABAC Policy shall be promoted and enforced consistently throughout the Company with clear and
consistent disciplinary consequences to anyone who violates the Policy.
All employees are expected to comply with the laws, rules and regulations of the countries in which we operate
and that apply to their day-to-day activities, as well as our own internal policies, standards and procedures.
Appropriate consequences would follow any failure to meet the Company’s standards or applicable laws and
regulations, up to and including termination of employment in appropriate circumstances, forfeiture of deferred
compensation awards and other forms of discipline that the Company deems appropriate in the circumstances,
subject to local laws and regulations.
As part of the prevention, identification and detection of Anti-bribery and Anti-corruption issues, trainings and
risk assessments shall be conducted throughout the Company.
Training on this Policy shall form part of the induction process for new employees at all levels working in those
areas of the Company that are seen as susceptible to ABAC risk. All existing employees in such areas, at all levels,
shall receive regular, relevant training on how to implement and adhere to this Policy.
The Company’s zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption shall be communicated to all third parties at
the outset of the Company’s business relationship with them and as appropriate thereafter. Wherever possible,
all such third parties shall also be sent a copy of this Policy at the outset of the said business relationship and
periodically throughout the term of the relationship.
The Board of Directors of the Company shall have the overall responsibility for ensuring this Policy complies with
our legal and ethical obligations and that all those under our control comply with it.
The General Counsel has primary responsibility for implementing this Policy, and for monitoring its use and
effectiveness and dealing with any queries on its interpretation. Line Managers at all levels are responsible for
ensuring those reporting to them are made aware of and understand this Policy and are given adequate and
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regular training on it. Every person to whom this Policy applies is responsible for the success of this Policy and
shall ensure that they use it to disclose any suspected activity or wrong-doing.
All employees shall be required to give an annual certification confirming their compliance with this Policy in the
prescribed format. Please refer to Annexure B for the Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption (ABAC) Compliance
Certification – Employee.
The General Counsel shall monitor the effectiveness and review the implementation of this Policy, regularly
considering its suitability, adequacy and effectiveness. Any improvements identified shall be made as soon as
possible. Internal control systems and procedures shall be subject to regular audits to provide assurance that they
are effective in countering bribery and corruption.
Employees are invited to comment on this Policy and suggest ways in which it might be improved. Comments,
suggestions and queries shall be addressed to the General Counsel.
Ruzbeh Irani
President (Group Communications & Ethics) & Chief Brand Officer
Member of the Group Executive Board
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SCHEDULE 1 - RED FLAGS
The following is a list of possible red flags that may arise during the course of business dealings with third parties
and which may raise concerns under various applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws. In such cases, the
employee shall report them promptly to the Line Manager or the General Counsel. The list below is not intended
to be exhaustive and is for illustrative purposes only:
Reputational Risk
• The transaction or the third party is in a country known for widespread corruption, as measured by
the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index or other similar indices.
• The third party has a history of improper payment practices, such as prior or ongoing formal or
informal investigations by law enforcement authorities or prior convictions.
• The third party has been subject to criminal enforcement actions or civil actions for acts suggesting
illegal, improper or unethical conduct.
• The third party has a poor business reputation.
• Allegations that the third party has made or has a propensity to make prohibited payments or
facilitation payments to officials.
• Allegations related to integrity, such as a reputation for illegal, improper, or unethical conduct.
• The third party does not have in place an adequate compliance program or code of conduct or refuses
to adopt one.
• Other companies have terminated the third party for improper conduct.
• Information provided about the third party or its services of principals is not verifiable by data, only
anecdotally.
Government Relationships
• The third party has a family relationship with a foreign official or government agency.
• The third party has a business relationship or association with a foreign official or government agency.
• The third party previously worked in the government at a high level, or in an agency relevant to the
work he/she will be performing.
• The third party is a company with an owner, major shareholder or executive manager who is an
official.
• There is a rumour or other information that the third party has an undisclosed beneficial owner.
• A government official suggests, requests, urges, insists, or demands that a particular party, company,
or individual be selected or engaged, particularly if the official has discretionary authority over the
business at issue.
• The third party makes large or frequent political contributions.
• The third party conducts private meetings with government officials.
• The third party provides lavish gifts, paid travel, or hospitality to government officials.
• The third party insists on dealing with government officials without the participation of the company.
Insufficient Capabilities
• The third party is in a different line of business than that for which it has been engaged.
• The third party lacks experience or a “track record” with the product, service, field, or industry.
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• The third party does not have offices or a staff, or lacks adequate facilities or staff, to perform the
work.
• The third party has an unusual or non-existent corporate structure.
• The address of the third party’s business is a mail drop location, virtual office, or small private office
that could not hold a business the size that is claimed.
• The third party is not expected to perform substantial work.
• The third party has not been in business for very long or was only recently incorporated.
• The third party has poor financial statements or credit.
• The third party’s plan for performing the work is vague and/or suggests a reliance on contacts or
relationships.
Unusual Circumstances
• The third party refuses to agree to comply with the FCPA, UKBA, equivalent applicable anti-corruption
legislation, anti-money laundering laws, or other similar laws and regulations.
• The third party refuses to warrant past compliance with the FCPA, UKBA, equivalent applicable anti-
corruption legislation, anti-money laundering laws, or other similar laws and regulations.
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• The third party refuses to execute a written contract, or requests to perform services without a
written contract where one is sought.
• The third party insists that its identity remain confidential or that the relationship remain secret.
• The third party refuses to divulge the identity of its beneficial owners, directors, officers, or other
principals.
• The third party refuses to answer due diligence questions.
• The third party refuses to allow audit clauses in contracts.
• The third party refuses to allow an audit pursuant to contractual audit clauses or delays the execution
of the audit.
• The third party suggest the hiring of an individual that appears to have connections or is related to a
government official.
• A suggestion by the third party that anti-corruption compliance policies need not be followed.
• A suggestion by the third party that otherwise illegal conduct is acceptable because it is the norm or
customs in a particular country.
• Suspicious statements by the third party such as needing payments to “take care of things” or “finalize
the deal.”
• The representation is illegal under local law.
• The alleged performance of the third party is suspiciously higher than competitors or companies in
related industries.
• A third party guarantees or promises unusually high rates of return on the promotional services
provided.
• The third-party requests approval of a significantly excessive budget or unusual expenditures.
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SCHEDULE 2
ANNEXURE A – ANTI-BRIBERY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION (ABAC) COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATION - EMPLOYEE
To,
General Counsel
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.
I, the undersigned do hereby state that I have read and understood the Mahindra Anti-Bribery and Anti-
Corruption Policy (the “Policy”) and certify that:
• I am not aware of any act of bribery or corruption having taken place, as defined in the Policy.
• all hospitality, promotional or other business expenditures with which I have been involved is bona fide,
reasonable and proportionate. In addition, the intention of such expenditure has been solely to improve
the image of the Company, better to present its products and services, or to establish cordial business
relations for the Company with appropriate third parties.
• all transactions with which I have been involved have been undertaken at arm’s length and were at market
value.
• in respect of all sales or any other agents that I am aware of, there is a formal contract in place between
the Company and the agent. In addition, such contracts refer to the agent’s obligation not to contravene
any anti-bribery legislation or the Company’s anti-bribery and anti-corruption policy.
• no facilitation payments (payments made to secure performance of routine government action) have
been made.
• I have not engaged in any acts of bribery or corruption while discharging my duties for the Company.
• no goods or services have been procured using cash, other than amounts which represent legitimate petty
cash expenditure and which in no way could be confused as bribery-related.
• I confirm that I have read and complied with the Company’s Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy.
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ANNEXURE B – ANTI-BRIBERY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION (ABAC) COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATION – THIRD PARTY
AGENT
To,
General Counsel
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.
I/We, the undersigned do hereby state that I/We have read and understood the Mahindra Anti-Bribery and
Anti-Corruption Policy (the “Policy”) and certify that:
• I/we are aware that an act of bribery may involve either the giving or the receiving of a bribe, and may
involve another business, a governmental organization or any other third party. In order to constitute a
bribe, there must be an intention for a financial or other benefit to influence a third party and thereby
secure business or a business advantage.
• there is a formal contract in place between the Company and myself/ourselves. I/we am/are aware that
such contracts refer to my/our obligation not to contravene any anti-bribery legislation or the Company’s
anti-bribery and anti-corruption policy.
• I/we am/are not aware of any act of bribery or corruption having taken place involving my business or my
employees, as defined in this Policy. I/we also confirm that I/we have not breached the Company’s anti-
bribery and anti-corruption policy, nor are we aware of any other party or entity breaching the policy.
• all hospitality, promotional or other business expenditure with which I/we have been involved is bona
fide, reasonable and proportionate. In addition, the intention of such expenditure has been solely to
improve the image of the Company, better to present its products and services, or to establish cordial
business relations for the Company with appropriate third parties.
• all transactions with which I/we have been involved have been undertaken at arm’s length and were at
market value.
• no facilitation payments (payments made to secure performance of routine government action) have
been made by me/us.
• I/we have not engaged in any acts of bribery or corruption while discharging my duties for or on behalf of
the Company.
• no goods or services have been procured using cash, other than minimal amounts which represent
legitimate petty cash expenditure.
• I/we have granted the Company the right to audit our books and records to confirm that no improper
payments have been a made by me/us.
• I/we have read and complied with the Company’s Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy.