Who among the following is authorised to investigate under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) In Patna, a Deputy Superintendent of Police.

Explanation

The authorization of police officers to investigate offences is governed by Section 17 of the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), 1988. To ensure that sensitive corruption cases are handled with maturity and responsibility, the Act specifies minimum ranks for investigating officers depending on the jurisdiction:

• (a) is incorrect: In the case of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE/CBI), the minimum rank required to investigate is an Inspector of Police. A Sub-inspector is not authorized unless specifically ordered by a Magistrate.
• (b) is incorrect: In metropolitan areas like Ahmedabad, Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras, the minimum rank is an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP). An Inspector of Police is below this rank.
• (c) is correct: In areas other than metropolitan cities (like Patna, which is not listed as a "Presidency" metropolitan area under this specific section of the Act), the minimum rank authorized to investigate is a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) or an officer of equivalent rank.
• (d) is incorrect: As mentioned for Ahmedabad, in the metropolitan area of Calcutta, the authorized rank is an Assistant Commissioner of Police. A Sub-inspector is two ranks below the authorized level.