In case of any allegation of misuse of office due to corruption, to whom do the President or the Prime Minister send the complaint for investigation, which functions as a “citizens’ institution”?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) Lokpal
Explanation:
• The Lokpal is an anti-corruption authority or body of ombudsman who represents the public interest in the Republic of India.
• It was established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
• The Lokpal has jurisdiction over the Prime Minister, Ministers, and Members of Parliament, as well as Group A, B, C, and D officers of the Central Government.
• It is designed as a "citizens' institution" to provide a platform for reporting corruption at high levels.
• The complaint is investigated through its Inquiry Wing or through an agency like the CBI (under Lokpal's direction).
Information Booster:
• The first Chairperson of the Lokpal was Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose.
• At the state level, the equivalent institution is the Lokayukta.
Additional Knowledge:
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) (Option a)
• The CBI is the premier investigating agency but is not a "citizens' institution" in the ombudsman sense; it acts under the government or court direction.
Central Vigilance Commission (Option d)
• The CVC is the apex vigilance institution, free from control of any executive authority, but it primarily monitors vigilance in government departments and cannot investigate the Prime Minister directly like the Lokpal.