Filing a Corruption Complaint Under Prevention of Corruption Act
What you need to know
The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (amended in 2018) is the primary Indian law that punishes bribery and corrupt practices by public servants. If a government official demands a bribe, misuses their position, or possesses assets disproportionate to their income, they can be prosecuted under this Act. As a citizen, you have the right to report such conduct without fear, and whistleblower protections are available under the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014. Complaints can be filed with the CBI, State Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Lokpal, Lokayukta, or directly with the police.
Your rights
Right to report bribery or corruption by any public servant without personal liability
Right to protection as a whistleblower under the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014
Right to file a complaint with Lokpal (central) or Lokayukta (state) against public officials
Right to seek RTI information to support evidence of corruption
What you should do now
Action firstDocument the corrupt act immediately
- Note date, time, place, and name/designation of the official involved
- Preserve any evidence — messages, receipts, witness names, audio/video if lawfully obtained
- Do NOT pay the bribe if possible; if already paid, note exact amount and circumstances
Trap operation (if bribe is being demanded now)
- Contact your State Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) or CBI immediately — they can set up a live trap
- Do not confront the official alone; act only under official supervision for your safety
File a formal complaint
- File with State ACB, CBI (for central government officials), or local police under Section 7/13 of PC Act
- File with Lokpal (central officials) or Lokayukta (state officials) via their online portals
- Submit an RTI application to obtain relevant government records supporting your complaint
Follow up and protect yourself
- Request whistleblower protection in writing citing the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014
- Keep copies of all complaint acknowledgements and follow up with a senior officer if no action is taken within 30 days
Acts applicable
Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (amended 2018)
centralSections 7–13: bribery, misuse of position, disproportionate assets
Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014
centralSection 3: protection of complainants disclosing corruption
Right to Information Act, 2005
centralSection 6: seek public records as evidence