Overview
Registration of an FIR for a cognizable offence is the police's legal duty, not a favour. Under Section 173 of the BNSS you can report at any police station (Zero FIR) or even electronically, and the station must record it. If the police refuse, the law gives you an escalation ladder: a written complaint to the Superintendent of Police, and then an application to the Magistrate under Section 175(3) BNSS directing the police to register and investigate.
Key Provisions — Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023
- Section 173 BNSS obliges police to register information about a cognizable offence — including e-FIR and Zero FIR at any station regardless of jurisdiction.
- On refusal, Section 173(4) lets you send the complaint in writing to the Superintendent of Police.
- Section 175(3) BNSS (old 156(3) CrPC) empowers the Magistrate to order FIR registration and investigation.
- A copy of the FIR must be given to the informant free of cost.
What You Can Get
How We Handle It
Draft the Complaint
We convert your facts into a legally precise complaint identifying the offences.
Police Station & SP
Submission at the police station; on refusal, written escalation to the SP.
Magistrate Application
If still unregistered, an application under Section 175(3) BNSS before the Magistrate.
Follow the Investigation
We track the investigation and push for a timely chargesheet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can police refuse to register my FIR?
Not for a cognizable offence. Refusal itself can invite disciplinary and legal consequences — the SP and Magistrate routes exist precisely for this.
What is a Zero FIR?
An FIR filed at any police station regardless of where the offence happened; it is later transferred to the correct station.
Legal Connect connects you with independent criminal advocates; we are not a law firm and this page is general information, not legal advice. In an urgent arrest situation, call us directly on +91 22 6555 3444.