Police & notices › FIR or police complaint
Want to file a complaint online
What usually matters in this situation, and the papers to keep ready before you meet an advocate or free legal aid (call 15100).
Make my own list — free, 2 minutesYour situation
- What has happened with the police so far? I haven't gone yet
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".
Papers to gather
- Your ID and address proof
Needed to register and follow up. Where: Your documents.
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
- Police refusing to register my FIR
- 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
- 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