Police & notices

I want to file an FIR, or the police won't register my complaint

A clear written complaint with dates and documents makes an FIR far more likely — and more useful.

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What the law says

Under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), police must register an FIR for cognizable offences, including a "zero FIR" at any station and e-FIRs. If they refuse, you can approach the Superintendent of Police and then a Magistrate.

General information, not legal advice.

Papers that usually help

A signed written complaint: who, what, when, where, and a list of attachments
A clear written complaint is harder to ignore and becomes the basis of the FIR.
A short dated timeline of what happened
Police and courts test complaints against dates.
Your ID and address proof
Needed to register and follow up.
Supporting documents (bills, agreements, transaction records)
Shows what happened.
Written request to preserve CCTV footage
Footage is often overwritten within days.
Medical (MLC) report and injury photos
Corroborates assault.
Witness names and contact details
Helps investigation.
Details of the accused: name, phone, address, vehicle, bank account
Speeds up investigation.
FIR copy and number
Needed for follow-up, insurance and court.
Proof police refused (receipt, diary number, date, officer name)
Needed to escalate to SP and Magistrate.
Complaint to the Superintendent of Police with postal proof
Usually required before approaching a Magistrate.

Questions Saboot will ask you

What happened?
When did it happen?
What has happened with the police so far?
Do you know who did it?
What do you already have?
Have you sent the complaint to the Superintendent of Police?

Sources

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

Common situations

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