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 +====== FIR vs NCR vs Complaint — Citizen Guide 2026 ======
 +
 +
 +{{ :social:auto:fir-vs-ncr-vs-complaint-india.png?direct&1200 |FIR vs NCR vs Complaint — Citizen Guide 2026 — RTI Wiki}}
 +
 +{{htmlmetatags>metatag-title=(FIR vs NCR vs Complaint: BNSS Guide 2026)&metatag-description=(FIR vs NCR vs complaint India: BNSS sections 173, 174, 175 and 223 — when each applies, Zero FIR, magistrate powers, Lalita Kumari, citizen decision tree.)}}
 +
 +A woman in Jaipur walks into the local police station at 02:14 IST after a chain-snatching outside her gate. The duty officer logs a //"GD entry"//, not an FIR. Two days later, when she follows up, he says //"the FIR will be registered after preliminary inquiry"//. He is wrong on the law. Under the Supreme Court's binding Constitution-Bench ruling in **//Lalita Kumari v. Government of UP// (2014) 2 SCC 1**, an FIR //must// be registered the moment information disclosing a **cognizable offence** is received. Chain-snatching is a **cognizable offence** under **BNS, 2023 §304** (snatching) — no inquiry, no GD-only logging, no "we will investigate first". The gap between (a) what a real FIR is, (b) what an **NCR (Non-Cognizable Report)** is, and (c) what a **private complaint to a magistrate** is — is the single biggest source of citizen confusion in the BNSS era. This guide is the decision tree.
 +
 +<WRAP center round info 95%>
 +**Quick answer (60 seconds)** — Cognizable offence (theft, snatching, rape, kidnap, cheating, hurt with weapon, riot) → **FIR under BNSS §173** (was CrPC §154), police must register immediately, no permission needed to arrest or investigate. Non-cognizable offence (simple hurt, defamation, mischief below threshold, criminal trespass below threshold) → **NCR under BNSS §174** (was CrPC §155), police record + refer you to a **private complaint under BNSS §223** (was §200) before a magistrate, magistrate alone can order investigation under **BNSS §175(3)**.
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +===== In this guide =====
 +
 +  * [[#The three citizen-facing routes in the Indian criminal process|The three citizen-facing routes in the Indian criminal process]]
 +  * [[#What an FIR is|What an FIR is]]
 +  * [[#What an NCR is|What an NCR is]]
 +  * [[#What a private complaint is|What a private complaint is]]
 +  * [[#Side-by-side comparison|Side-by-side comparison]]
 +  * [[#How to read the BNSS Schedule I — cognizable vs non-cognizable|How to read the BNSS Schedule I — cognizable vs non-cognizable]]
 +  * [[#Zero FIR — what it is and where to use it|Zero FIR — what it is and where to use it]]
 +  * [[#Where the confusion happens|Where the confusion happens]]
 +  * [[#Eight red flags that you are being routed to the wrong process|Eight red flags that you are being routed to the wrong process]]
 +  * [[#Step-by-step decision tree|Step-by-step decision tree]]
 +  * [[#Illustrative composite — chain-snatching FIR delay|Illustrative composite — chain-snatching FIR delay]]
 +  * [[#Sample written application to register an FIR|Sample written application to register an FIR]]
 +  * [[#Sample private complaint under BNSS §223|Sample private complaint under BNSS §223]]
 +  * [[#Case-law touchpoints|Case-law touchpoints]]
 +  * [[#FAQ|FAQ]]
 +  * [[#Myth vs reality|Myth vs reality]]
 +
 +===== The three citizen-facing routes in the Indian criminal process =====
 +
 +Under **Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 (BNSS)** that replaced the CrPC 1973 from **1 July 2024**, a citizen seeking redress for a crime is routed through one of three doors:
 +
 +  * **Door 1 — FIR (First Information Report) under BNSS §173** — for **cognizable** offences. Police register, investigate, may arrest without warrant, and file a **police report (charge-sheet under §193)** before the magistrate.
 +  * **Door 2 — NCR (Non-Cognizable Report) under BNSS §174** — for **non-cognizable** offences. Police record but do not investigate without a magistrate's order; informant is referred to the magistrate.
 +  * **Door 3 — Private complaint under BNSS §223** — directly to the **Judicial Magistrate** (or Metropolitan Magistrate); for non-cognizable offences, for delay/refusal in the cognizable route, and (in special cases) for offences requiring sanction.
 +
 +Which door is correct depends on (a) the //character// of the offence (cognizable vs non-cognizable, per **BNSS Schedule I**), and (b) the //facts// (police refusal, magistrate's discretion under §175(3)).
 +
 +===== What an FIR is =====
 +
 +An FIR is the **first information** in time and content about the commission of a cognizable offence, given to the officer in charge of a police station, which sets the criminal-investigation engine in motion. **BNSS §173(1)** (replacing CrPC §154) requires:
 +
 +  * The information shall be reduced to writing.
 +  * Read over to the informant.
 +  * Signed by the informant.
 +  * A copy given to the informant **free of cost**.
 +  * Entered in the **General Diary** at serial number.
 +  * **Forwarded to the magistrate** under BNSS §175.
 +
 +Cognizable offences include **BNS, 2023 §103 (murder)**, **§109 (attempt to murder)**, **§115 (causing hurt by dangerous means)**, **§137 (kidnap / abduction)**, **§63-§79 (sexual offences)**, **§303 (theft)**, **§304 (snatching)**, **§309 (robbery)**, **§310 (dacoity)**, **§315-§318 (criminal breach of trust + cheating in higher categories)**, **§319 (cheating by personation)**, and many more.
 +
 +The Supreme Court in **//Lalita Kumari v. Government of UP// (2014) 2 SCC 1** held that registration of FIR is **mandatory** under §154 CrPC (now §173 BNSS) if the information discloses a cognizable offence. The court permitted a **preliminary inquiry** only in narrow exceptional cases (matrimonial / family dispute, commercial offence, medical negligence, corruption, abnormal delay) — and only for a //maximum// of 15 days (extended to 6 weeks in some categories).
 +
 +===== What an NCR is =====
 +
 +An NCR (Non-Cognizable Report) under **BNSS §174** (was CrPC §155) is the police record-entry for offences where the police **cannot arrest without warrant** and **cannot investigate without a magistrate's order**.
 +
 +Common non-cognizable offences:
 +
 +  * **BNS §115(2) — voluntarily causing hurt** (simple hurt without weapon)
 +  * **BNS §351(2) — criminal intimidation** (less aggravated form)
 +  * **BNS §354(2) — public nuisance**
 +  * **BNS §356(2) — defamation**
 +  * **BNS §132 — assault or use of criminal force on public servant** (some forms)
 +  * **BNS §324(2) — mischief** (below threshold)
 +  * **BNS §329 — house-trespass**
 +
 +The NCR procedure:
 +
 +  - The police record the information in the **NCR Register**.
 +  - Inform the informant in writing.
 +  - **Refer the informant to the Judicial Magistrate** for the private-complaint route.
 +  - The magistrate may order investigation under **BNSS §175(3)** if the offence warrants.
 +
 +The Supreme Court in //[[cases:lalita-kumari-v-uoi-2013|Lalita Kumari]]// (2014) clarified that NCR is //not// a substitute for FIR when the offence is cognizable. Many police stations wrongly issue NCRs for cognizable offences to slow case-load; that is a violation of §173 BNSS.
 +
 +===== What a private complaint is =====
 +
 +A private complaint under **BNSS §223** (was CrPC §200) is a complaint made **directly to the magistrate** alleging the commission of an offence. It is the //correct route// for:
 +
 +  * **Non-cognizable offences** where the informant wants prosecution.
 +  * **Cases where the police refused to register an FIR** under BNSS §173 — the citizen exhausts the §173(4) escalation to the Superintendent of Police, and if still no FIR, approaches the magistrate under **§175(3)**.
 +  * **Offences requiring sanction** (corruption against public servants, certain media offences, contempt-adjacent matters).
 +  * **Defamation, criminal intimidation, simple hurt** etc.
 +
 +The procedure under BNSS §223 + §225 + §227:
 +
 +  - Complaint filed in writing before the magistrate, with list of witnesses.
 +  - Magistrate examines the complainant + witnesses //on oath// (§223).
 +  - Magistrate may direct an investigation by the police under **§175(3)** //before// taking cognizance.
 +  - If cognizance is taken, **process** is issued under §227 (summons or warrant).
 +  - Trial proceeds under the relevant chapter (summons-case / warrant-case / sessions-trial).
 +
 +The Supreme Court in **//Priyanka Srivastava v. State of UP// (2015) 6 SCC 287** required that a §156(3) CrPC (now §175(3) BNSS) application be supported by an **affidavit**, and that the magistrate must apply mind before directing investigation. This is to curb the misuse of "instant police inquiry" via the magistrate route.
 +
 +===== Side-by-side comparison =====
 +
 +^ Dimension                              ^ FIR (BNSS §173)                                  ^ NCR (BNSS §174)                                  ^ Private complaint (BNSS §223)                    ^
 +| Offence type                           | Cognizable                                       | Non-cognizable                                   | Any (typical for non-cognizable + refusal)       |
 +| Filed with                             | Officer-in-charge, any police station            | Officer-in-charge, jurisdictional PS             | Judicial / Metropolitan Magistrate               |
 +| Police action without warrant          | Allowed — arrest + investigation                 | Not allowed — needs magistrate order             | n/a until magistrate orders §175(3) probe        |
 +| Copy to informant                      | Free, mandatory                                   | Free copy of entry                                | Yes — sealed complaint copy                       |
 +| Time bar                                | None for cognizable in BNS                       | Limitation under BNSS §467-§472 applies          | Limitation under BNSS §467-§472 applies          |
 +| Statute (BNSS 2023)                    | §173                                             | §174                                              | §223                                              |
 +| Statute (CrPC 1973, old)               | §154                                             | §155                                              | §200                                              |
 +| Police-refusal remedy                   | §173(4) SP + §175(3) magistrate                  | n/a — go straight to magistrate                  | n/a — magistrate is the forum                    |
 +| Mandatory affidavit                     | Not required                                      | Not required                                      | Yes, where §175(3) probe sought (//Priyanka Srivastava//) |
 +| Investigation jurisdiction              | Where offence occurred (Zero-FIR allowed)        | Where offence occurred                            | Local magistrate's jurisdiction                   |
 +| Final outcome                           | Charge-sheet under §193 / closure report          | Refer to magistrate                                | Cognizance under §227 + trial                     |
 +| Examples of cases routed                | Snatching, rape, robbery, cheating, kidnap       | Simple hurt, defamation, public nuisance         | Cheque-bounce private complaint, defamation, refused FIR |
 +
 +===== How to read the BNSS Schedule I — cognizable vs non-cognizable =====
 +
 +**BNSS Schedule I** is a long table listing every offence in the BNS, 2023 + special laws, with columns for:
 +
 +  * Section number (BNS or special law).
 +  * Offence description.
 +  * Whether cognizable or non-cognizable.
 +  * Whether bailable or non-bailable.
 +  * Court of trial.
 +
 +Reading the schedule is the cleanest way to know which door is yours. The schedule is published in the BNSS bare act + on [[https://www.indiacode.nic.in|indiacode.nic.in]]. Most legal commentaries (Universal, EBC, LexisNexis) reproduce it as an appendix.
 +
 +Some examples (illustrative, verify against current BNSS Schedule I):
 +
 +  * **BNS §103 (murder)** — Cognizable + Non-bailable + Court of Session.
 +  * **BNS §115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt)** — Non-cognizable + Bailable + JMFC.
 +  * **BNS §304 (snatching)** — Cognizable + Non-bailable + Magistrate of First Class.
 +  * **BNS §318 (cheating)** — Cognizable in higher amounts + Bailable / Non-bailable depending on amount + Magistrate.
 +  * **BNS §356(2) (defamation)** — Non-cognizable + Bailable + JMFC.
 +
 +===== Zero FIR — what it is and where to use it =====
 +
 +A **Zero FIR** is an FIR registered at //any// police station, irrespective of jurisdiction, with serial number "0" — and then //transferred// to the jurisdictional police station once the location of the offence is determined. The legal anchor:
 +
 +  * **BNSS §173(1) proviso** — //"every police station shall register a first information of cognizable offence committed in any part of India, irrespective of jurisdiction"// — codifies the Zero FIR.
 +  * **//Lalita Kumari// (2014) 2 SCC 1** — refused FIR registration on grounds of jurisdiction is a violation.
 +  * **MHA Advisory dated 10 May 2013** + **MHA SOP 2014** — operational guidelines.
 +
 +When to invoke a Zero FIR:
 +
 +  * You are far from the place of offence (e.g., a Bengaluru-resident victim of an online fraud routed from a Patna account → file Zero FIR at any Bengaluru PS).
 +  * The offence happened during travel.
 +  * Cross-border / inter-state cyber fraud.
 +  * Sexual offences — the **BNS §63-§79** schema + //State of MP v. Madanlal// (2015) 7 SCC 681 — file at the nearest PS, do not wait to reach jurisdiction.
 +
 +===== Where the confusion happens =====
 +
 +Citizens are routinely confused because:
 +
 +  * Police-station counters often offer a "GD entry" or an "NC entry" instead of an FIR — citizens assume both are equivalent.
 +  * Many citizens do not know whether their offence is cognizable.
 +  * Schedule I of the BNSS is not displayed at PS notice boards.
 +  * Lawyers' fees push many citizens to "informal" paths.
 +  * Even after //Lalita Kumari//, ground-level compliance is uneven; **Justice Verma Committee Report (2013)** and **MHA Annual Report 2023-24** document this gap.
 +  * The terms "FIR", "complaint", "case" are used interchangeably in news media, eroding the legal distinction.
 +
 +The mental anchor: **FIR is what //police// register; complaint is what //citizen// gives, either to police or to magistrate; NCR is the //specific// kind of police record-entry for non-cognizable cases**.
 +
 +===== Eight red flags that you are being routed to the wrong process =====
 +
 +==== 1. "We will register an FIR after preliminary inquiry" — for a clearly cognizable offence ====
 +
 +//Lalita Kumari// (2014) — preliminary inquiry is **not permitted** when the information discloses a cognizable offence except in the narrow categories the SC listed (matrimonial, corruption, medical negligence, commercial). Snatching, theft, rape, kidnap, robbery, cheating — these get FIR immediately.
 +
 +==== 2. "It's only a GD entry, come back tomorrow." ====
 +
 +A General Diary entry is not an FIR. The PS is //obliged// to convert a GD entry on a cognizable offence into a §173 BNSS FIR. The Supreme Court in **//State of Andhra Pradesh v. Punati Ramulu// (1993) Supp. 1 SCC 590** held that a "rough" GD entry that contains the bones of a cognizable offence is treated as the FIR for legal purposes.
 +
 +==== 3. "This is a civil matter, not criminal." ====
 +
 +Many cheating / breach-of-trust / matrimonial cases have //both// criminal and civil aspects. //Pratibha Rani v. Suraj Kumar// (1985) 2 SCC 370 — the criminal court has jurisdiction even if the civil court can also act. Police cannot dismiss a §318 (cheating) case just because a parallel civil suit could be filed.
 +
 +==== 4. "First go to the SP / DCP / Commissioner office; we cannot register here." ====
 +
 +The PS where you go //must// register the FIR if the offence is cognizable (BNSS §173(1) proviso — Zero FIR). The SP / DCP route under **§173(4)** is the //remedy when the PS refuses//; it is not the //first// step.
 +
 +==== 5. "We don't have jurisdiction." ====
 +
 +Jurisdiction is not a ground to refuse FIR — the Zero FIR provision exists exactly for that. Refer the officer to **BNSS §173(1) proviso**.
 +
 +==== 6. "Pay something for paper / processing." ====
 +
 +There is no fee, no stamp duty, no payment for FIR. //Free copy under §173 BNSS//. Demanding money is itself an offence under **Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 §7** + **BNS §198** (public-servant violating law to cause injury).
 +
 +==== 7. "Bring two witnesses with you to register an FIR." ====
 +
 +An FIR is registered on the informant's statement alone. Witnesses are required at the //investigation// stage, not at registration.
 +
 +==== 8. "We will register tomorrow; come at 10 am." ====
 +
 +There is no waiting period. //"Forthwith"// in §173 is operational. //Lalita Kumari// (2014) — registration must be without delay; investigation begins immediately after registration.
 +
 +> **Tip** — Always carry a **written application** stating the facts + offence sections you allege. Demand an **acknowledgement copy** of the application. Either you walk out with the FIR copy under §173 BNSS, or you walk out with the acknowledged application that records the //time of presentation// — which becomes evidence for your **§175(3) BNSS** magistrate-direction route.
 +
 +===== Step-by-step decision tree =====
 +
 +==== Step 1, 60 seconds — identify the offence ====
 +
 +Read the BNS, 2023 sections (publicly available at [[https://www.indiacode.nic.in|indiacode.nic.in]]). Match the facts to a section number.
 +
 +==== Step 2, 60 seconds — check BNSS Schedule I ====
 +
 +Cognizable or non-cognizable? Bailable or non-bailable?
 +
 +==== Step 3, 5 minutes — go to the nearest police station ====
 +
 +  * **Cognizable** → demand FIR under BNSS §173.
 +  * **Non-cognizable** → ask for NCR entry under BNSS §174 + simultaneous instruction to approach magistrate.
 +
 +==== Step 4, written application path ====
 +
 +If unsure or if the officer is delaying, hand over a **written application** addressed to the SHO + duplicate copy. Demand a stamped acknowledgement on the duplicate.
 +
 +==== Step 5, 24 hours — §173(4) escalation if FIR refused ====
 +
 +If the PS refuses to register a cognizable-offence FIR, send a **written complaint to the Superintendent of Police (rural) or DCP (urban)** under **BNSS §173(4)** by registered post with AD + email. SP/DCP must investigate the refusal and, if satisfied, direct the FIR's registration.
 +
 +==== Step 6, 14 days — magistrate's direction under §175(3) ====
 +
 +If the SP/DCP also refuses or delays, file an application under **BNSS §175(3)** before the Judicial Magistrate. Annex (a) the written application to the SHO with acknowledgement, (b) the §173(4) complaint with proof of dispatch, (c) supporting documents. **Affidavit mandatory** under //Priyanka Srivastava// (2015) 6 SCC 287. The magistrate may direct investigation or hold a §223 inquiry.
 +
 +==== Step 7, parallel — High Court §528 BNSS (was §482 CrPC) writ ====
 +
 +If gross misconduct or constitutional-rights violation is alleged, a **§528 BNSS** application to the High Court (inherent powers) or an **Article 226 writ** can compel FIR registration. //Sakiri Vasu v. State of UP// (2008) 2 SCC 409 — the magistrate route under §156(3) (now §175(3)) is the //first// resort; the High Court is invoked when the magistrate's process has also failed.
 +
 +===== Illustrative composite — chain-snatching FIR delay =====
 +
 +<WRAP center round box 80>
 +
 +**Illustrative composite — chain-snatching FIR delay**
 +
 +The following is a composite of the kind of FIR-delay scenario the §173(4) → §175(3) ladder is built for. Names, dates and the FIR number are illustrative, not a real case; the legal moves are what a citizen should replicate.
 +
 +  * **Offence**: gold chain snatched by two-wheeler riders outside a residential gate.
 +  * **Initial PS response**: GD entry only; "FIR will be registered after preliminary inquiry".
 +  * **BNS offence**: §304 (snatching) — Cognizable + Non-bailable + Magistrate of First Class.
 +  * **Citizen's action chain**:
 +    - **Day 0 evening**: Filed written application to SHO, took stamped acknowledgement on the duplicate (with date and time).
 +    - **Day 1**: SHO did not register FIR. Sent §173(4) complaint to the DCP by registered post AD + email.
 +    - **Day 3**: DCP directed SHO to register FIR; FIR under BNS §304 registered, dated back to the time of first information.
 +    - **Day 5**: Police issued §94 BNSS notice to CCTV operators for footage retrieval; arrests followed during investigation.
 +    - **Day 17**: Charge-sheet filed under §193 BNSS; chain recovered and restored to victim.
 +  * **Cost to citizen**: postage for the §173(4) AD letter; lawyer's advice free via the District Legal Services Authority.
 +  * **What did not happen**: No "preliminary inquiry" was legally permitted under //Lalita Kumari// (2014) for snatching — the SHO's initial position was incorrect.
 +  * **Lesson**: a two-minute Schedule-I check + a written application with stamped acknowledgement converts a delayed GD-only response into a registered FIR.
 +
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +===== Sample written application to register an FIR =====
 +
 +Use for: cognizable offence at the PS where SHO is delaying.
 +
 +<code>
 +To,
 +The Station House Officer,
 +[POLICE STATION NAME]
 +[ADDRESS, CITY, PIN]
 +
 +Date: [DD-MM-YYYY]   Time of presentation: [HH:MM IST]
 +
 +Sub: Application for registration of FIR under §173 BNSS 2023
 +     for offences under BNS, 2023 §[XXX], §[YYY]
 +
 +Sir/Madam,
 +
 +I, [FULL NAME], son/daughter/spouse of [FATHER/SPOUSE NAME], aged
 +[YY] years, resident of [FULL ADDRESS], Aadhaar masked
 +XXXX-XXXX-[last 4], PAN [XXXXX1234X], Mobile +91-XXXX-XXXXXX,
 +respectfully submit:
 +
 +  1. On [DD-MM-YYYY] at [TIME], at [LOCATION], the following
 +     cognizable offence(s) was/were committed:
 +     [DETAILED FACTS, WITNESSES, EVIDENCE, ESTIMATED LOSS]
 +
 +  2. The offence(s) is/are punishable under:
 +     BNS, 2023 §[XXX] — [DESCRIPTION], which per BNSS Schedule I
 +     is //Cognizable + [Bailable/Non-bailable]//.
 +
 +  3. Under §173(1) BNSS 2023, your office is obliged to register
 +     this FIR forthwith. Under the proviso to §173(1), jurisdiction
 +     is not a ground for refusal — registration as Zero FIR is
 +     mandatory if applicable.
 +
 +  4. The Supreme Court Constitution Bench in //Lalita Kumari v.
 +     Government of UP// (2014) 2 SCC 1 has held that registration
 +     of FIR is mandatory when information discloses a cognizable
 +     offence; preliminary inquiry is impermissible in this category.
 +
 +  5. I respectfully request:
 +     (a) registration of FIR under §173 BNSS forthwith;
 +     (b) free copy of the FIR to me under §173(2);
 +     (c) recording of statements of witnesses listed below.
 +
 +Witnesses:
 +  - [NAME 1], [ADDRESS], [MOBILE]
 +  - [NAME 2], [ADDRESS], [MOBILE]
 +
 +Evidence attached:
 +  - [PHOTOS / CCTV STILLS / MEDICAL REPORT / DOCUMENTS]
 +  - [DEVICE / SCREENSHOTS / BANK STATEMENTS]
 +
 +Place: [CITY]
 +Date: [DD-MM-YYYY]
 +
 +Yours faithfully,
 +[SIGNATURE]
 +[NAME]
 +
 +Acknowledgement (to be filled by PS):
 +Received on: ___ / ___ / 20___ at ____ IST.
 +Diary No.: __________________
 +Officer's signature + name + rank: _________________________
 +PS seal: ___________
 +
 +Cc: Superintendent of Police / Deputy Commissioner of Police, [DISTRICT]
 +    — for noting under BNSS §173(4) if FIR is not registered within 24 hours.
 +</code>
 +
 +===== Sample private complaint under BNSS §223 =====
 +
 +Use for: non-cognizable offence, OR after exhausting §173(4) escalation.
 +
 +<code>
 +IN THE COURT OF THE [JUDICIAL / METROPOLITAN] MAGISTRATE,
 +[FIRST CLASS / SECOND CLASS], AT [CITY / DISTRICT]
 +
 +Complaint Case No. ____ of 20___
 +
 +[NAME, ADDRESS, PAN, AADHAAR MASKED]               ... Complainant
 +                              Versus
 +[NAME OF ACCUSED, KNOWN ADDRESS / 'KNOWN TO POLICE'] ... Accused
 +
 +COMPLAINT UNDER §223 BNSS 2023 READ WITH §175(3) BNSS 2023
 +
 +The complainant most respectfully submits:
 +
 +  1. [FULL FACTS, DATES, LOCATIONS, NAMES, AMOUNTS]
 +
 +  2. The acts of the accused constitute offences under BNS, 2023
 +     §[XXX] (description), which per BNSS Schedule I is
 +     //Non-cognizable + Bailable// [or, where applicable,
 +     //Cognizable but FIR was refused, see annexures//].
 +
 +  3. I have approached the Station House Officer, [PS NAME], by
 +     written application dated [DD-MM-YYYY] (Annexure A) and
 +     escalated to the Superintendent of Police / DCP, [DISTRICT],
 +     by registered post AD No. [XXXXX] dated [DD-MM-YYYY]
 +     (Annexure B); no FIR has been registered.
 +
 +  4. The complainant verifies the contents of this complaint on
 +     oath. An affidavit under //Priyanka Srivastava v. State of UP//
 +     (2015) 6 SCC 287 is filed herewith (Annexure C).
 +
 +  5. PRAYER:
 +     (a) Direct the investigation of the case under §175(3)
 +         BNSS 2023 by [NAMED PS or CRIME BRANCH], submitting
 +         report under §193 BNSS within [SUGGESTED PERIOD]; OR
 +     (b) Take cognizance under §227 BNSS, examine the
 +         complainant on oath under §223, and issue process
 +         to the accused.
 +
 +List of witnesses (to be examined under §223):
 +  1. [NAME 1, FULL ADDRESS]
 +  2. [NAME 2, FULL ADDRESS]
 +
 +List of documents (annexed):
 +  - Annexure A: PS application + acknowledgement
 +  - Annexure B: §173(4) escalation to SP/DCP + RPAD
 +  - Annexure C: Affidavit verifying facts (notarised)
 +  - Annexure D-G: [supporting evidence]
 +
 +Place: [CITY]
 +Date: [DD-MM-YYYY]
 +
 +For the Complainant,
 +[ADVOCATE NAME, BAR COUNCIL NO.]
 +[CONTACT]
 +</code>
 +
 +===== Case-law touchpoints =====
 +
 +  * **//Lalita Kumari v. Government of UP// (2014) 2 SCC 1** — Constitution Bench (5 judges). Mandatory FIR registration on receipt of information disclosing a cognizable offence; preliminary inquiry permitted only in narrow categories (matrimonial / commercial / medical negligence / corruption / abnormal delay) and only up to 15 days (6 weeks in some cases).
 +  * **//Priyanka Srivastava v. State of UP// (2015) 6 SCC 287** — Application under §156(3) CrPC (now BNSS §175(3)) must be on **affidavit**; magistrate must apply mind before directing investigation; curb on indiscriminate use of magistrate-direction route.
 +  * **//State of Haryana v. Bhajan Lal// (1992) Supp. (1) SCC 335** — Seven categories where High Court may quash an FIR under §482 CrPC (now BNSS §528) — frivolous, absurd, mala fide, civil-only, no offence disclosed, etc. Defensive shield against vexatious FIRs.
 +  * **//Sakiri Vasu v. State of UP// (2008) 2 SCC 409** — Magistrate's §156(3) (now §175(3)) is the //first// remedy for FIR-registration refusal; High Court not to be approached straightaway.
 +  * **//Pratibha Rani v. Suraj Kumar// (1985) 2 SCC 370** — A civil remedy does not bar a criminal complaint; police cannot dismiss a §318 case as "civil only".
 +  * **//State of AP v. Punati Ramulu// (1993) Supp. (1) SCC 590** — GD entry containing the substance of a cognizable offence is treated as the FIR for limitation and procedural purposes.
 +  * **//Vinubhai Haribhai Malaviya v. State of Gujarat// (2019) 17 SCC 1** — Magistrate's power under §156(3) (now §175(3)) extends to ordering //further// investigation post charge-sheet.
 +
 +===== Sources & internal links =====
 +
 +==== Authoritative external sources ====
 +
 +  * Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 + BNS, 2023 bare acts: [[https://www.indiacode.nic.in|indiacode.nic.in]]
 +  * Ministry of Home Affairs — BNSS / BNS / BSA implementation: [[https://www.mha.gov.in|mha.gov.in]]
 +  * National Crime Records Bureau — CCTNS reference: [[https://ncrb.gov.in|ncrb.gov.in]]
 +  * State police citizen portals: Mumbai [[https://www.mumbaipolice.gov.in|mumbaipolice.gov.in]] / Karnataka [[https://ksp.karnataka.gov.in|ksp.karnataka.gov.in]]
 +  * eCourts portal — case status: [[https://services.ecourts.gov.in|services.ecourts.gov.in]]
 +  * District Legal Services Authority — free legal aid: [[https://nalsa.gov.in|nalsa.gov.in]]
 +  * Justice Verma Committee Report (2013) — full text on MHA + WCD websites
 +  * MHA SOP on Zero FIR — Advisory dated 10 May 2013
 +
 +==== Related on RTI Wiki ====
 +
 +  * [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/arrest-fir-notice-rights-india|Arrest, FIR and notice — citizen rights]]
 +  * [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/real-vs-fake-police-notice-india|Real vs fake police notice — citizen guide 2026]]
 +  * [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/cyber-crime-complaint-india|Cyber-crime complaint — India]]
 +  * [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/cybercrime-portal-vs-police-station-india|Cybercrime portal vs police station — guide 2026]]
 +  * [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/fake-police-notice-pdf-scam-india|Fake police notice PDF scam]]
 +  * [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/cctv-footage-rti-preserve-before-deleted-india|How to get CCTV footage before it is overwritten]]
 +
 +===== FAQ =====
 +
 +==== If the police refuse to register my FIR, what is my first step? ====
 +
 +Submit a **written application** to the SHO with a duplicate copy and demand stamped acknowledgement (with date and time). If the FIR is still not registered, send a §173(4) BNSS complaint to the **Superintendent of Police (or DCP)** by registered post with AD + email. If still not registered, file an application under **§175(3) BNSS** before the Judicial Magistrate, with an affidavit per //Priyanka Srivastava// (2015).
 +
 +==== Is "Zero FIR" available for all offences? ====
 +
 +The BNSS §173(1) proviso codifies Zero FIR for **any cognizable offence anywhere in India**. It is most commonly invoked for sexual offences, road-accidents during travel, and inter-state cyber fraud. The receiving PS registers and transfers to the jurisdictional PS within a reasonable time.
 +
 +==== Can I file an FIR online in 2026? ====
 +
 +Some states allow **e-FIR** for specific offences (vehicle theft, mobile loss, missing person) via state-police citizen portals. Maharashtra (Mahapolice), Delhi (DP citizen portal), Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana have online e-FIR options. For serious / contact-sensitive offences (sexual offences, violence), physical PS or **§173 BNSS** assistance from any officer remains required.
 +
 +==== Can a magistrate refuse to direct investigation under §175(3)? ====
 +
 +Yes, the magistrate has discretion. The Supreme Court in //Priyanka Srivastava// (2015) requires the magistrate to apply mind. The magistrate may also choose to **proceed under §223** (record the complainant's statement) instead of directing police investigation.
 +
 +==== What is the time limit for filing a complaint? ====
 +
 +**BNSS §467-§472** (replacing CrPC §467-§472) set the limitation. Generally:
 +  * Offences punishable by fine only — **6 months** from offence date.
 +  * Offences punishable by imprisonment up to 1 year — **1 year**.
 +  * Offences punishable by imprisonment more than 1 year up to 3 years — **3 years**.
 +  * Offences punishable by imprisonment more than 3 years — **no limitation**.
 +  Court may condone delay under §473 in the interest of justice.
 +
 +==== What happens if the police file a "closure report" (B-Final) ====
 +
 +Under **BNSS §193(2)**, when police find insufficient evidence, they file a **closure (Final) report**. The magistrate may (a) accept, (b) reject and direct further investigation under §175(3), or (c) take cognizance on the basis of the case papers under §210(1)(b). The informant has a right to be heard under //Bhagwant Singh v. Commissioner of Police// (1985) 2 SCC 537.
 +
 +==== Is the FIR a substantive evidence at trial? ====
 +
 +No. The FIR is **not** substantive evidence; it is admissible only to **corroborate** the informant's testimony under **§157 Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023** (was IEA §157) or to **contradict** under §145. The substantive evidence is the witness's deposition in court. //Hasib v. State of Bihar// (1972) 4 SCC 773 is the foundational citation.
 +
 +==== Can I withdraw an FIR? ====
 +
 +A cognizable-offence FIR cannot be unilaterally withdrawn by the informant. The Public Prosecutor may withdraw under **§360 BNSS** (was §321 CrPC) with court permission. Compoundable offences under **§359 BNSS** can be settled between parties with court permission for offences like simple hurt, defamation, cheating below threshold. Non-compoundable offences (rape, murder) cannot be settled.
 +
 +==== What is an NC complaint? ====
 +
 +"NC complaint" colloquially refers to a complaint of a **Non-Cognizable** offence, recorded as an **NCR (Non-Cognizable Report)** under BNSS §174. The police record the entry, give a copy, and refer the informant to the **Judicial Magistrate** for a private complaint under §223.
 +
 +==== If both civil and criminal remedies are available, can I pursue both? ====
 +
 +Yes. //Pratibha Rani v. Suraj Kumar// (1985) 2 SCC 370. The criminal and civil routes operate in parallel; one does not preclude the other.
 +
 +===== Myth vs reality =====
 +
 +^ Myth                                                                     ^ Reality                                                                                ^
 +| "Police must conduct preliminary inquiry before FIR."                   | //Lalita Kumari// (2014) — preliminary inquiry only in narrow categories, not the default. |
 +| "GD entry = FIR."                                                       | GD entry without §173 registration is not an FIR; SHO obliged to register if cognizable.    |
 +| "Without jurisdiction, the PS cannot register FIR."                     | BNSS §173(1) proviso codifies Zero FIR — register anywhere in India.                      |
 +| "NCR is the same thing as FIR."                                         | NCR is for //non-cognizable// offences; no investigation without magistrate's order.       |
 +| "Private complaint to magistrate requires my own lawyer."               | DLSA (Legal Services Authority) provides free advocates for the financially eligible.     |
 +| "Police can ignore my §173(4) escalation."                              | The DGP / SP / DCP is statutorily bound; non-action is judicially reviewable.              |
 +
 +
 +----
 +**More comparisons:** browse every RTI-vs-alternative side-by-side in [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/vs/start|RTI vs Alternatives: the full comparison hub]] <!-- rti-wiki-comparisons-hub-2026-vs-start -->
 +
 +//Last reviewed: 17 July 2026.//
 +
 +{{tag>fir_vs_ncr_vs_complaint bnss_173 bnss_174 bnss_175 bnss_223 zero_fir lalita_kumari priyanka_srivastava bhajan_lal cognizable_non_cognizable private_complaint magistrate_directed_investigation citizen_rights_india citizen_guide_2026}}
  
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