This paper undertakes a comparative analysis of crimes of greed and crimes of need, with particular emphasis on white-collar offences in India, to evaluate their socio-economic impact and the adequacy of judicial responses. Drawing upon criminological theory, statutory frameworks, judicial data, and comparative international perspectives, the study situates white-collar crime within the broader discourse on economic inequality, governance, and institutional accountability. Crimes of greed—characterized by deliberate exploitation of economic and regulatory structures for excessive private gain—are contrasted with crimes of need, which are often driven by socio-economic deprivation and survival imperatives. The paper argues that although crimes of need numerically outnumber greed-driven offences in India, the latter exert a disproportionately severe and systemic impact on the economy, public trust, and democratic institutions.

The analysis highlights persistent deficiencies in India’s legal and enforcement mechanisms, including low conviction rates, prolonged trial durations, politicization of investigations, and selective prosecution of offenders. Despite the existence of an extensive statutory framework encompassing the Indian Penal Code, financial regulations, and corporate governance norms, enforcement remains weak, particularly against influential economic actors. Through doctrinal analysis and selected case illustrations, the paper demonstrates how judicial and policy responses have failed to keep pace with the evolving sophistication of white-collar crime.

The study concludes that a rigid, punitive approach alone is insufficient. Instead, it calls for a differentiated and proportionate framework that recognizes the motivational divide between greed and need, strengthens investigative capacity, enhances judicial efficiency, and promotes ethical corporate governance. Such reforms are essential for mitigating the socio-economic harm caused by white-collar offences and restoring confidence in India’s justice delivery system