Online FIR / e-FIR in India — how to file, BNSS Section 173, sign within 3 days, Zero FIR (2026)
How online FIRs work under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023: information by electronic communication under Section 173 (old CrPC s. 154), signing within 3 days, which complaints State police portals accept online (often theft or lost property with unknown accused), cyber fraud on 1930/cybercrime.gov.in, e-Zero FIR, and what to do if police do not register. Educational only — not legal advice.
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What the law now allows
Section 173(1) of the BNSS, 2023 (which replaced CrPC s. 154 from 1 July 2024) lets information about a cognizable offence be given orally or by electronic communication, at any police station regardless of where the offence happened (Zero FIR). Information given electronically is taken on record once the person giving it signs it within three days. So an online complaint becomes a formal FIR only after it is registered and signed — keep checking its status.
Where you can file online
Each State police runs its own citizen portal or app, and what they accept online differs. Many States allow e-FIRs for theft of vehicles or property where the accused is unknown, and ‘lost article’ reports that are not FIRs. Some also accept complaints from women, senior citizens or for economic offences for enquiry. Look for your State police website (often linked from the national Digital Police portal) — avoid unofficial sites that ask for payment. For cyber fraud or online money loss, call 1930 immediately and report on cybercrime.gov.in; for large cyber-frauds (above ₹10 lakh) the e-Zero FIR system being rolled out by the Home Ministry converts the complaint into a Zero FIR, and you must visit the cyber police station within three days to sign.
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Write in Hindi or English · general guidance, not legal advice
Step by step
1) Register on the official State police portal with your mobile number. 2) Choose the complaint type (for example, vehicle theft). 3) Fill date, time and place, what happened, and property details such as vehicle engine/chassis numbers or mobile IMEI. 4) Upload ID and supporting documents. 5) Submit and note the reference number. 6) Sign at the police station within three days if the portal or officer asks (BNSS s. 173). 7) Download the FIR copy — the informant is entitled to a free copy. Insurance claims for theft usually need the FIR and a later ‘untraced’ report.
Preliminary enquiry and timelines
For offences punishable with 3 to 7 years, Section 173(3) lets the police, with a senior officer’s permission, conduct a preliminary enquiry within 14 days to see if there is a prima facie case before registering. Offences punishable with 7 years or more must be registered straight away. Under Section 193 (old s. 173), the police must keep the informant or victim updated on investigation progress within 90 days.
If the police do not register your complaint
You can send the substance of the information in writing or by post to the Superintendent of Police (BNSS s. 173(4), old s. 154(3)), and then apply to the Magistrate under Section 175(3) (old s. 156(3)) with an affidavit. For emergencies call 112. Our guide on police refusing to register an FIR covers this in detail.
Be accurate — false complaints are an offence
Give only true facts. Giving false information to a public servant (BNS s. 217, old IPC s. 182) and making a false charge of an offence (BNS s. 248, old IPC s. 211) are punishable. If you are unsure whether the facts make out an offence, describe them plainly and let the police decide the sections.
How Adhiwakta can help
We do not file FIRs or contact the police for you. Adhiwakta is a facilitation platform, not a law firm. We do not file cases, appear before any authority, or promise any result. Use Ask Adhiwakta to describe your situation for general guidance from an independent advocate, or start with the AI helper to organise your facts and papers. Educational only — not formal legal advice.
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Frequently asked questions
- Is an online FIR valid in India?
- Yes. BNSS Section 173 allows information by electronic communication, which is taken on record once the informant signs it within three days. Which complaints can be filed online depends on your State police portal.
- Can I file an e-FIR for any crime?
- Not everywhere. Many State portals accept e-FIRs mainly for theft or lost property where the accused is unknown. For other offences go to any police station (Zero FIR). For cyber fraud call 1930 and report on cybercrime.gov.in.
- What if the police do not register my online complaint?
- Send the complaint in writing to the Superintendent of Police (BNSS s. 173(4)), then apply to the Magistrate under Section 175(3) with an affidavit. In an emergency call 112.
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