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Bribe by a public official

Police, traffic police, RTO, municipal or any government staff asked for or took money

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Bribe
01
Write down what happened
Who: You — today, while you remember
Officer's name or badge number, place, time, vehicle number, what was said, and any payment proof.
Rule: Notes made the same day carry weight with every authority
Now
02
Report it to the anti-corruption authority
Who: Your state's Lokayukta / Anti-Corruption Bureau (central government staff: Central Vigilance Commission)
A complaint number. If the demand is still going on, they can act before you pay.
Rule: Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 — taking or demanding a bribe is a criminal offence
⏱ 30 days
03
Complain to the officer's department
Who: The officer's senior (e.g. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic) through the department's complaint channel
An acknowledgement and an internal inquiry.
Rule: Departments act on staff misconduct under their service rules
⏱ 15 days
04
Free legal help if nothing moves
Who: Legal Services Authority (15100) — free advice for anyone; a free lawyer if you qualify, to go to the magistrate or the Police Complaints Authority
A lawyer who can file it formally for you, at no cost.
Rule: Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 — free legal aid
Final

Guidance, not legal advice. Timelines come from published rules and are rounded up so you never escalate too early.

Common questions

Where do I complain about bribe by a public official?

In this order: 1. Write down what happened (You — today, while you remember), 2. Report it to the anti-corruption authority (Your state's Lokayukta / Anti-Corruption Bureau (central government staff: Central Vigilance Commission)), 3. Complain to the officer's department (The officer's senior (e.g. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic) through the department's complaint channel), 4. Free legal help if nothing moves (Legal Services Authority (15100) — free advice for anyone; a free lawyer if you qualify, to go to the magistrate or the Police Complaints Authority).

How long do I wait at each step?

Write down what happened: straight away; Report it to the anti-corruption authority: 30 days; Complain to the officer's department: 15 days; Free legal help if nothing moves: the final step.

What is the final step?

Free legal help if nothing moves: A lawyer who can file it formally for you, at no cost.