If a police officer demands a bribe from you, do not pay it — instead, report it to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) or Vigilance department of your state. Demanding or accepting a bribe by a police officer is a criminal offence under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), 1988, punishable with imprisonment of 3 to 7 years and a fine. You are legally protected when you report police corruption, and the law provides specific mechanisms to catch corrupt officers through trap operations.
Why this matters
Police corruption is one of the most common encounters citizens have with bribery in India. Whether it is a traffic stop, an FIR registration, a routine verification, or a bail process, citizens frequently report being asked for money. According to Transparency International surveys, police departments consistently rank among the most corruption-prone public services in India. Many people pay bribes because they feel helpless or do not know they have options. The truth is: the law is firmly on your side. Reporting corruption is not only your right — the 2018 amendment to the PCA even makes it your legal duty, as failing to report within 7 days of paying a bribe can make you liable.
Step-by-step: What to do
1. Do not pay the bribe
Refuse politely but firmly. Say something like: "I am not able to pay anything beyond the official fees." If you feel unsafe, do not argue — leave the situation and report it as soon as possible.
In practice: If the officer is withholding a service (like FIR registration) unless you pay, this itself is an offence. Note the officer's name, badge number, police station, and the exact nature of the demand.
2. Collect evidence if you can — safely
If it is safe to do so:
- Note down the officer's name, rank, badge number, police station, and time of the demand
- Record the conversation on your phone if possible (audio or video). There is no law prohibiting you from recording a public servant on duty
- Save any messages — WhatsApp texts, SMS, or calls where the bribe demand was made
- Find witnesses — anyone who saw or heard the demand
Important: Do not risk your safety to collect evidence. Even without recordings, your sworn complaint is sufficient for the authorities to investigate.
3. Report to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB)
Every state has an Anti-Corruption Bureau (also called Vigilance Department or Anti-Corruption Wing). Contact them to file a complaint:
- In person: Visit the ACB office of your state
- By phone: Most states have ACB helplines (search "[your state] Anti-Corruption Bureau phone number")
- Online: Many states now accept online complaints through their ACB websites
- National Anti-Corruption Helpline: Some states participate in the integrated grievance system
The ACB can conduct a trap operation — they mark currency notes with phenolphthalein powder, hand them to you to give to the corrupt officer, and catch the officer red-handed when they accept the money.
4. Report to the Superintendent of Police (SP)
If the ACB route feels slow or you want immediate action within the police hierarchy, file a written complaint with the Superintendent of Police (SP) of the district. The SP has the authority to initiate departmental proceedings against the corrupt officer.
5. File a complaint with the Lokayukta
If the police officer works for the state government (which most do), you can also file a complaint with the Lokayukta (state-level anti-corruption ombudsman). The Lokayukta can investigate and recommend action. For central government employees, the Lokpal is the appropriate body.
6. Report on government portals
- CPGRAMS (Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System): pgportal.gov.in — for complaints against central government officials
- State grievance portals: Most states have their own Chief Minister's grievance cells or online complaint portals
- Vigilance Commission: For complaints related to central government police (CBI, CRPF, BSF, etc.)
What the law says
Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018)
| Offence | Section | Punishment |
|---|---|---|
| Public servant obtaining undue advantage (bribe) | Section 7 PCA | 3 to 7 years imprisonment + fine |
| Public servant obtaining valuable thing without consideration | Section 11 PCA | 6 months to 5 years + fine |
| Bribe-giver (if paid voluntarily and not reported within 7 days) | Section 8 PCA | Up to 7 years + fine |
| Habitual offender | Section 9 PCA | 5 to 10 years + fine |
The 2018 amendment — your duty to report
The 2018 amendment to the PCA introduced a crucial change: if you voluntarily give a bribe and do not report it to law enforcement or an investigating agency within 7 days, you can be prosecuted under Section 8. However, if you were coerced into paying (demanded under threat of not providing a service or causing harm), you are protected as long as you report it promptly.
In practice: If you had to pay a bribe under pressure, file a complaint as soon as possible — ideally within 7 days — to protect yourself from liability.
What if things go wrong
If you face retaliation from the police
- File a complaint with the SP or DIG of the district
- File a complaint with the NHRC (nhrc.nic.in or call 14433)
- Approach the High Court with a writ petition if you face threats or harassment
- The law provides for witness protection — under Section 398 of the BNSS (earlier Section 195A CrPC equivalent), threatening a complainant is itself a criminal offence
If the ACB does not act on your complaint
- Follow up in writing
- File a Right to Information (RTI) request asking for the status of your complaint
- Escalate to the Lokayukta or the State Human Rights Commission
- Approach the High Court through a public interest litigation (PIL) if there is systemic inaction
If you already paid the bribe
- Report it within 7 days to protect yourself
- The ACB can still investigate and take action against the officer
- Your testimony, combined with investigation, can lead to prosecution
Documents and resources you need
- Evidence: Officer's name, badge number, police station, date, time, nature of demand
- ACB contact: Search "[your state] Anti-Corruption Bureau" for the helpline
- CBI Anti-Corruption Helpline: 1064 (for central government employees)
- Lokpal: lokpal.gov.in (for central government employees)
- CPGRAMS portal: pgportal.gov.in (online complaint)
- NHRC: nhrc.nic.in or 14433 (if you face retaliation)
- RTI: For follow-up on complaints
Common myths
Myth: Reporting police corruption is dangerous and nothing will happen. Reality: ACB trap operations are conducted regularly across India, and hundreds of police officers are caught and prosecuted each year. While the process requires courage, the system is designed to protect complainants and catch corrupt officers.
Myth: If you pay a bribe, you are equally guilty. Reality: Under the 2018 amendment, if you pay a bribe under coercion and report it within 7 days, you are not liable. The law recognises that citizens are often forced to pay. Only voluntary bribe-giving that goes unreported is punishable.
Myth: You need solid evidence (video, recording) to file a corruption complaint. Reality: Your sworn complaint is sufficient for the ACB to initiate an investigation or trap operation. The ACB will collect evidence through the trap operation itself.
Myth: Only big bribes matter — small bribes are not worth reporting. Reality: Every bribe demand is a criminal offence under Section 7 PCA, regardless of the amount. Rs 100 or Rs 1 lakh — the offence and punishment are the same.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be arrested for refusing to pay a bribe? No. Refusing to pay a bribe is your legal right. If the police arrest you or threaten you for refusing, it is an illegal act — report it immediately to the SP and the NHRC.
What if the police officer demands a bribe for registering my FIR? FIR registration is a legal duty — the police cannot demand payment for it. File a complaint with the SP and approach the Magistrate under Section 175(3) BNSS to get the FIR registered.
How long does an ACB trap operation take? Once you file a complaint, the ACB typically plans and conducts a trap operation within 2-7 days, depending on the state and the specifics of the case.
Can I file an anonymous corruption complaint? Some state ACBs and the CPGRAMS portal allow complaints without full identification. However, anonymous complaints may receive lower priority. Identified complaints with evidence lead to faster action.
What if the corrupt officer is the SHO (Station House Officer) of the police station? Report to the ACB directly (they operate independently of the local police) or to the SP/DIG. You can also approach the Lokayukta. Do not file the complaint at the same police station where the corrupt officer serves.