How to File a Complaint with the Lokpal — Step-by-Step Guide

To file a complaint with the Lokpal of India, submit a complaint in the prescribed form under the Lokpal (Complaint) Rules, 2020, either online through the LokpalOnline portal (lokpalonline.gov.in) or in person at the Lokpal office in New Delhi. There is no fee for filing a complaint. Any person can file a complaint alleging an offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, committed by a public servant of the central government, including ministers, MPs, and Group A through D officers. You will need identity proof, residence proof, an affidavit, and supporting evidence of the alleged corruption.

Who can file a complaint with the Lokpal

• Any person can file a complaint — there is no restriction based on being personally aggrieved, and there is no requirement that the complainant be directly affected by the alleged corruption
• The complainant can be an individual, association, organization, or group of persons
• There is no income, caste, citizenship, or domicile restriction for filing a complaint
• Whistle-blowers are protected — Section 53 of the Lokpal Act provides for witness and complainant protection

Against whom complaints can be filed (Section 14):

• Prime Minister (with restrictions under Section 14(1) — complaint against the PM is not entertained if it relates to international relations, external and internal security, public order, atomic energy, or space; and requires a full Lokpal bench to consider)
• Union Ministers and Members of Parliament
• Group A, B, C, and D officers and employees of the Central Government
• Board members and officers of bodies/boards/corporations/authorities established by an Act of Parliament or by Central Government order
• Directors and officers of societies/trusts receiving donations from the Central Government exceeding ₹1 crore per year or receiving foreign contributions exceeding ₹10 lakh per year

You cannot file a complaint if:

• The alleged offence was committed by a state government employee — for state-level corruption, approach the Lokayukta of the concerned state
• The complaint relates to the armed forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard) — they are specifically excluded
• The alleged act occurred more than 7 years before the date of complaint (limitation period under Section 53(1)(d))
• The complaint is pending before any other court, tribunal, or authority on the same facts

Documents you will need

Mandatory documents

• Complaint form — In the format prescribed in the Annexure to the Lokpal (Complaint) Rules, 2020 (available for download at lokpal.gov.in and lokpalonline.gov.in)
• Affidavit — A sworn affidavit accompanying the complaint as specified in Part D of the Annexure, verifying the truth of the facts stated (must be notarised or sworn before an oath commissioner)
• Identity proof — Aadhaar card, passport, PAN card, driving licence, voter ID, or bank passbook with photograph (self-attested photocopy)
• Proof of residence — Aadhaar card, passport, driving licence, voter ID, or bank passbook with photograph

Supporting documents (strongly recommended)

• Evidence of corruption — Documents, photographs, audio/video recordings, communications (emails, letters, messages), financial records, or any other material supporting the allegation
• RTI responses — If you have obtained information through RTI applications that supports the corruption allegation
• Newspaper reports or public records — Media reports or official records corroborating the complaint

Step-by-step process

Step 1: Ensure the complaint falls within Lokpal's jurisdiction

Before filing, verify that: (a) the person complained against is a central public servant covered under Section 14, (b) the alleged act constitutes an offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (such as bribe-taking, abuse of position, criminal misconduct, or disproportionate assets), and (c) the alleged act occurred within the last 7 years.

Where: Self-assessment based on the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 Reference: Sections 14, 15, and 53 of the Lokpal Act; Sections 7, 11, 13, and 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988

Tip: The Lokpal deals only with corruption-related offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act. For other grievances against government officials (service matters, administrative negligence, policy complaints), use the CPGRAMS portal (pgportal.gov.in) or the concerned administrative tribunal. For state government officers, approach the state Lokayukta.

Step 2: Draft the complaint in the prescribed form

Prepare the complaint in the format annexed to the Lokpal (Complaint) Rules, 2020. The form has four parts:

• Part A: Complainant's personal details (name, address, email, phone)
• Part B: Details of the public servant complained against (name, designation, ministry/department)
• Part C: The complaint itself — detailed factual narrative of the alleged corruption, with dates, amounts, circumstances, and supporting evidence
• Part D: Affidavit — verification on oath that the facts stated are true to the complainant's knowledge and belief

Where: Download the form from https://lokpal.gov.in or https://lokpalonline.gov.in

Tip: The complaint must be specific, not vague. Mention exact dates, amounts, names of officials, descriptions of the corrupt act, and attach supporting evidence. Generic complaints like "there is corruption in department X" without specific details are liable to be dismissed at the threshold stage. The complaint can be filed in English or any language listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

Step 3: Prepare and notarise the affidavit

The affidavit (Part D of the form) must be sworn before a notary public or an oath commissioner. The affidavit verifies that the facts stated in the complaint are true to the best of the complainant's knowledge and that no part of the complaint is false.

Where: Any notary public or oath commissioner in your district Fee: ₹50-200 (notarisation fee) + ₹10-100 (stamp paper — varies by state)

Tip: The affidavit is mandatory — a complaint without an affidavit will not be entertained. Under Section 46 of the Lokpal Act, if any person makes a false complaint, they may be punished with imprisonment up to 1 year and fine up to ₹1 lakh. Do not file frivolous or false complaints.

Step 4: File the complaint online via LokpalOnline portal

Submit the complaint electronically through the LokpalOnline portal.

Where: https://lokpalonline.gov.in → "Lodge Complaint" Requirements: Register an account with email and mobile number, then fill the online complaint form, upload the affidavit and supporting documents

Tip: If filing electronically, you must still submit the hard copy (physical copy) of the complaint with the original notarised affidavit to the Lokpal office within 15 days from the date of electronic filing. The electronic filing alone is not sufficient — the hard copy is mandatory.

Step 5: Submit the hard copy to the Lokpal office (if filed electronically)

If you filed electronically in Step 4, send or deliver the physical complaint with original affidavit to the Lokpal office.

Where: Office of the Lokpal of India, A-Wing, Janpath Hotel, Janpath, New Delhi – 110001 Deadline: Within 15 days of electronic filing Mode: In person at the Lokpal reception, or by registered post/speed post

Alternatively, you can skip the electronic filing and directly file the complaint in person or by post.

Tip: If sending by post, use registered post or speed post with acknowledgment due (AD) to have proof of delivery. Keep a photocopy of the entire complaint with affidavit for your records.

Step 6: Lokpal conducts preliminary inquiry

After receiving the complaint, the Lokpal may order a preliminary inquiry to determine whether a prima facie case exists. The preliminary inquiry is conducted by the Lokpal's inquiry wing or by a designated agency.

Where: Lokpal office (internal process — complainant is not typically involved at this stage) Timeline: The preliminary inquiry should be completed within 90 days, extendable by a further 90 days (Section 20(1))

Tip: During the preliminary inquiry, the Lokpal may ask the public servant for an explanation. The complainant's identity is kept confidential until the conclusion of the inquiry or investigation (Section 53(8)). You may be contacted for additional information or clarification — respond promptly.

Step 7: Investigation and further proceedings

If the preliminary inquiry reveals a prima facie case, the Lokpal refers the matter for investigation to its investigation wing, the CBI, the Delhi Special Police Establishment, or any other agency. If no prima facie case is found, the complaint is closed.

Where: Investigation agency (CBI or Lokpal's investigation wing) Timeline: Investigation should be completed within 6 months, extendable by a further 6 months (Section 20(3)) Prosecution: If investigation reveals sufficient evidence, the Lokpal directs prosecution in the Special Court constituted under the Lokpal Act

Tip: The Lokpal has the power to grant sanction for prosecution of public servants — it bypasses the usual requirement of obtaining sanction from the government under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act. This is one of the most significant powers of the Lokpal. You will be informed of the outcome of the investigation.

Fees and costs

How long does it take

Can you do this online?

Partially — the complaint can be filed electronically through the LokpalOnline portal, but the hard copy with original affidavit must be submitted physically within 15 days.

Online process step-by-step

1. Visit LokpalOnline portal: Go to https://lokpalonline.gov.in
2. Register an account: Create an account with your email ID and mobile number
3. Read the instructions: Download and read the "General Instructions for Filing Complaints" available on the portal
4. Fill the complaint form: Enter complainant details (Part A), public servant details (Part B), and detailed complaint narrative (Part C)
5. Upload documents: Upload scanned copies of the affidavit, identity proof, residence proof, and supporting evidence (PDF format, typically under 10 MB per file)
6. Submit electronically: Submit the complaint and download the acknowledgment receipt with complaint reference number
7. Submit hard copy within 15 days: Print the complaint, attach the original notarised affidavit, and deliver or mail to the Lokpal office in New Delhi

Helpdesk: For assistance with filing complaints, contact the Lokpal helpdesk at 011-26125013 during office hours.

What if things go wrong

Problem: Complaint dismissed at the threshold stage

Solution: The Lokpal may dismiss complaints that are illegible, vague, ambiguous, trivial, frivolous, do not contain any specific allegation, are barred by the 7-year limitation, or are pending before another court/tribunal. If dismissed, you will receive a reasoned order. You cannot appeal a threshold dismissal within the Lokpal framework, but you can: (a) file a fresh complaint with more specific facts and evidence, (b) approach the CBI directly under the Prevention of Corruption Act, or (c) file a writ petition in the High Court challenging the Lokpal's order.

Problem: Identity of the complainant leaked to the accused public servant

Solution: Under Section 53(8), the Lokpal must protect the identity of the complainant. If your identity is disclosed without authorisation, you can file a complaint with the Lokpal itself for breach of confidentiality. If you face retaliation, immediately apply for witness protection under the Witness Protection Scheme, 2018, and inform the Lokpal in writing.

Problem: No communication from the Lokpal after filing

Solution: If you have not received any acknowledgment or status update within 30 days of filing, contact the Lokpal helpdesk at 011-26125013. You can also send a written follow-up to the Lokpal office referencing your complaint number. File an RTI application to the Lokpal office asking for the status of your complaint — the Lokpal is a public authority under the RTI Act.

Problem: Want to file a complaint against a state government officer

Solution: The Lokpal has jurisdiction only over central government public servants. For state government officers, you must approach the Lokayukta of the concerned state. Each state has (or is required to have) a Lokayukta under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. Visit the state Lokayukta's website for the complaint form and process. If the state has not yet constituted a Lokayukta, approach the state Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) or file a complaint with the police under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Problem: Fear of prosecution for making a "false complaint" under Section 46

Solution: Section 46 penalises only those who file complaints that they know to be false or misleading. A complaint made in good faith based on reasonable belief — even if ultimately not proven — does not attract punishment under Section 46. As long as you have a genuine basis for the complaint and the facts stated are true to your knowledge, you are protected. The burden of proving that the complaint was knowingly false is on the prosecution.

State-specific differences

The Lokpal is a central institution with jurisdiction only over central government public servants. There are no state-specific variations in the Lokpal complaint process, fees, or procedures.

For state-level anti-corruption complaints, each state has a separate Lokayukta:

Note: The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 requires every state to establish a Lokayukta within one year. Several states have not yet complied. In states without a functional Lokayukta, complaints against state public servants can be filed with the state Anti-Corruption Bureau, the police (FIR under Prevention of Corruption Act), or through a writ petition in the High Court.

Frequently asked questions

Can I file an anonymous complaint with the Lokpal?

No. The Lokpal (Complaint) Rules, 2020 require the complainant to identify themselves with full particulars (name, address, contact details) and submit a sworn affidavit. Anonymous complaints are not entertained. However, the complainant's identity is kept confidential and protected under Section 53.

Is there a fee for filing a Lokpal complaint?

No. Filing a complaint with the Lokpal is completely free. The only expense is the notarisation of the affidavit (₹50-300) and postal charges if sending by mail.

Can the Lokpal investigate corruption by judges?

No. The Lokpal does not have jurisdiction over judges of the Supreme Court or High Courts. Complaints against judges are dealt with under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 (for removal) or through in-house inquiry procedures of the judiciary.

What protection does a complainant have against retaliation?

Section 53 of the Lokpal Act provides for protection of complainants, witnesses, and persons associated with the case. The identity of the complainant is kept confidential. If a complainant faces threats, intimidation, or adverse action, the Lokpal can direct appropriate protection measures. Additionally, the Witness Protection Scheme, 2018 (issued by the Supreme Court in Mahender Chawla v. Union of India) applies.

Can I file a complaint about corruption that happened 10 years ago?

No. Section 53(1)(d) of the Lokpal Act prescribes a limitation period of 7 years. The alleged offence must have occurred within 7 years prior to the date of complaint. Complaints relating to acts older than 7 years are liable to be dismissed at the threshold stage.

What is the difference between Lokpal and Lokayukta?

The Lokpal is the central anti-corruption ombudsman with jurisdiction over central public servants (PM, ministers, MPs, central government officers). The Lokayukta is the state-level equivalent with jurisdiction over state public servants (Chief Minister, state ministers, MLAs, state government officers). Each state constitutes its own Lokayukta. The Lokpal operates from New Delhi while Lokayuktas operate from the respective state capitals.