Where and how can you complain when a public official demands a bribe?

A useful corruption complaint begins with jurisdiction and verifiable facts.

Short legal answer

First identify the official's department and position. A central-government matter may concern the CBI Anti-Corruption Branch; a state official may fall under the state ACB, Lokayukta police or another competent vigilance agency.

Applicable law and the important distinction

A complaint and a criminal prosecution are distinct stages. The agency must have jurisdiction over the official and alleged offence. An acknowledgement does not establish guilt.

The outcome is not decided by one isolated event. The employer of the official, date of the alleged conduct, applicable amendment and procedural stage must be read together.

Important update: Special attention: significant PC Act amendments took effect on 26 July 2018. The text of an offence before and after that date may differ. Criminal procedure from 1 July 2024 and any transitional application also require careful checking.

Evidence and records that matter

Describe the pending official work, amount sought, speaker, date, place and method of demand. Do not present suspicion as first-hand proof.

A pending file number, application acknowledgment and contemporaneous chronology help an agency verify a complaint. Request confidentiality separately, without assuming absolute anonymity.

Practical next steps

Promptly file a dated complaint with the competent agency and preserve messages or recordings. Do not organise an unauthorised sting; retain the acknowledgment.

Common mistakes and precautions

Write the chronology promptly in your own words. Reporting to the competent agency before naming individuals publicly can reduce avoidable risks.

Frequently asked questions

Must the agency arrest someone immediately after a complaint?

No. Jurisdiction, verification and the statutory conditions for investigation and arrest must first be considered.

What initial records matter most?

Start with accurate dates, the parties' identities and original records. The particular documents that matter depend on the events and evidence discussed above.

What is the safest next step?

Preserve original records and present a truthful chronology to the competent authority, court or qualified counsel; do not influence witnesses or tamper with evidence.

Will the same rule apply in every state and to every case?

Not necessarily. Jurisdiction, state agency structures, offence dates and service or procedural rules may differ.

Official reading and legal disclaimer

• Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (consolidated text)
• Rajasthan ACB — Official FAQ (older references must be read against 2018 amendments)

This article provides general legal information, not a guaranteed result or case-specific professional opinion. Verify the current statute, orders and case file before taking action.