Your rights when an official demands a bribe in India

Published 18 Aug 2026 · about 3 min read

The law is on your side. Knowing which rule to name — calmly, at the counter — often changes the conversation.

Demanding a bribe is a crime

Under the Prevention of Corruption Act, a public servant who demands or accepts anything beyond the lawful fee commits an offence. The person asked to pay is the victim, not the offender. You are within your rights to refuse.

You are entitled to the service at the official fee

Every sanctioned service has a fixed, published fee. Ask which fee applies and insist on an official receipt. A receipt leaves no room for an extra "arrangement". If you are refused a receipt for money paid, that itself is a red flag worth noting.

The citizen's charter and service timelines

Many states have a Right to Public Services or similar law: listed services must be delivered within a stated number of days, and there is a designated officer to appeal to if they are not. Ask to see the citizen's charter for the service you need — the timeline is your entitlement, not a favour.

Where you can complain

• The department's own public grievance officer or vigilance officer.
• The state Lokayukta or Anti-Corruption Bureau.
• The Central Vigilance Commission for central-government offices.
• The national grievance portal (CPGRAMS) for a written, tracked complaint.

Protect yourself first

Keep a quiet record of dates, the office, and what was asked. Do not confront alone in a way that feels unsafe. You do not have to name anyone to make everyday corruption visible — reporting the office and the pattern anonymously is enough to help the next person.

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