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Reporting corruption or a bribe demand

Asked for a bribe to do a job that's your right? There are dedicated anti-corruption agencies — state and central — that act on such complaints, sometimes with a trap. Here's how to report.

Your right

You have a right to public services without paying a bribe, and to report a corrupt official to an independent anti-corruption agency.

No government service should cost a bribe. When an official demands money to register a document, release a certificate, or simply do their job, that is a criminal offence — and there are agencies whose entire purpose is to catch it. In Tamil Nadu the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) handles state officials; for central government employees the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and the Lokpal take complaints. Report early, and if a bribe is being demanded, the agency can sometimes lay a trap to catch the official in the act.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Don't pay — record what's happening

    If you can do so safely, note who asked, when, for what work, and how much. Keep any messages or call records. The clearer the detail, the easier it is for the agency to act.

  2. 2

    Report a bribe demand to DVAC

    For a Tamil Nadu government official, contact the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption on its anti-corruption toll-free number (1064) or its vigilance line (1965). If a bribe is being demanded, reporting before you pay lets DVAC arrange a trap to catch the officer accepting it.

  3. 3

    Use the CVC for central officials

    For a central government employee, lodge a complaint with the Central Vigilance Commission through its online portal. Protected whistleblower (PIDPI) complaints must be sent by sealed post, not online, to keep your identity confidential.

  4. 4

    Approach the Lokpal for high officials

    The Lokpal of India takes complaints against central public servants, including senior functionaries, filed in the prescribed form on its portal.

If you get no response

If your complaint isn't acted on

Follow up in writing and keep the acknowledgement. You can also escalate corruption or maladministration by a state public servant to the Tamil Nadu Lokayukta.

To protect your identity

Use the CVC's PIDPI (whistleblower) route, which keeps the complainant's identity confidential — but it must be sent by sealed post, following the format on the CVC site, not filed online.

Legal basis

Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988; Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003; Tamil Nadu Lokayukta Act, 2018.

DVAC contact numbers per dvac.tn.gov.in. CVC PIDPI whistleblower complaints must be sent by sealed post per cvc.gov.in.

This is public-awareness information, not legal advice. Procedures and contact details can change; always confirm the current rules on the official links provided before you act. For an emergency, dial 112.

What you'll need

  • Who demanded the bribe — name, designation, office
  • What official work it was for, and the amount demanded
  • Dates, and any messages, call records, or witnesses
  • Your own details (or use the sealed-cover whistleblower route to stay anonymous)

At a glance

DVAC anti-corruption line
1064 (toll-free)
DVAC vigilance line
1965
Trap cases
Report before paying, so a trap can be arranged
What it costs
Free. Reporting corruption to DVAC, the CVC, or the Lokpal costs nothing.
Where to go
DVAC for Tamil Nadu officials; the CVC for central officials; the Lokpal for senior central public servants.

Official links

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