Which statement about making complaints to the Ombudsman is correct?

• A. Only after a formal court hearing can a complaint be made.
• B. Any citizen can make a complaint, but only if a prima facie case exists.
• C. Only residents living near the ombudsman's office can complain.
• D. Complaints must be approved by a government official first.

Answer: (B)

Ombudsman complaints are about checking how public services are run and whether actions by government agencies were fair and proper. Anyone can lodge a complaint, and you don’t have to be near the Ombudsman’s office or wait for a court process to start. There’s typically a step where the complaint is checked for a prima facie case—a basic, reasonable basis that some maladministration may have occurred—before a formal investigation begins. The Ombudsman then reviews the facts, may gather evidence, and decides whether to investigate and what remedy or recommendation might be appropriate. This approach makes the option that emphasizes broad access for citizens while needing a initial, credible basis for action the most accurate. The other possibilities don’t fit because complaints aren’t restricted to residents near the office, they don’t require formal court involvement to start, and they don’t need prior approval from a government official.