Police & notices › FIR or police complaint
Police refusing to register my FIR
What usually matters in this situation, and the papers to keep ready before you meet an advocate or free legal aid (call 15100).
Before anything elseYou can send the complaint in writing to the Superintendent of Police.
Make my own list — free, 2 minutes
Your situation
- What has happened with the police so far? They refused to register
Where you stand
- Next step If police will not register an FIR, write to the Superintendent of Police, then apply to the magistrate.
Do these now
- 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. Where: Write it; take two copies. - A short dated timeline of what happened
Police and courts test complaints against dates. Where: Use "My timeline". - Complaint to the Superintendent of Police with postal proof
Usually required before approaching a Magistrate. Where: SP office by post/email.
Papers to gather
- Your ID and address proof
Needed to register and follow up. Where: Your documents. - Proof police refused (receipt, diary number, date, officer name)
Needed to escalate to SP and Magistrate. Where: Police station.
You may also need, depending on your answers
- 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.
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.
Saboot will also ask
- What happened?
- When did it happen?
- Do you know who did it?
- What do you already have?
Similar situations
- My phone or bike was stolen
- Someone cheated me of money
- Police gave only an NCR, not an FIR
- FIR registered but police doing nothing
- Want to file a complaint online
- House break-in or burglary
- Chain snatching or mobile snatching
- Fake police case threat to extort money
Sources
The full guide: I want to file an FIR, or the police won't register my complaint · All situations