A public servant accepts money through a middleman. According to the PC Act, liability arises if:

Solution

Under the PC Act, a public servant can be liable for receiving an undue advantage through an intermediary. Direct physical receipt of money is not necessary if the intermediary acted with the public servant’s authorization, consent, or knowledge. Agency principles apply: the public servant is deemed to have received the advantage indirectly. Courts have consistently held that the method of transfer does not negate liability. Option B correctly captures this principle. Options A, C, D, and E are incorrect because they either require direct receipt or depend on the intermediary’s acquittal, which is irrelevant under the statutory framework. Understanding this provision is critical for anti-corruption enforcement, as it prevents evasion through middlemen and ensures accountability of officials and related agents.