How to file an FIR in India: Zero FIR, e-FIR and if police refuse

How to file an FIR, step by step

1. 1

   Get safe and urgent help first

   Danger or injury: dial 112 and get medical help; the hospital record is evidence. Online money fraud: call 1930 or use cybercrime.gov.in within the first hour.

2. 2

   Write down the facts

   What happened, date, time, place, who did it or their description, witnesses, and what was lost or injured. Keep it simple and true; do not exaggerate.

3. 3

   Go to any police station

   The nearest station is fine. If the crime happened elsewhere, ask for a Zero FIR; the station must register it and transfer it to the right station.

4. 4

   Give the information

   Tell the duty officer orally or hand over a written complaint in two copies. Get the second copy stamped as received. A woman reporting a sexual offence is entitled to a woman officer.

5. 5

   Check, sign and take your free copy

   The FIR must be read over to you. Check names, dates and facts before signing. Take the free copy and note the FIR number, date and sections.

6. 6

   Or file an e-FIR online

   Use your state police citizen portal or app. Vehicle and phone theft are commonly accepted online. The e-FIR becomes a regular FIR after you sign it at the station within 3 days.

7. 7

   Follow up the investigation

   Download the FIR on the state portal. Police must update you on the investigation within 90 days (BNSS s.193(3)). Keep all receipts and acknowledgements.

Documents you need

• Your ID proof (Aadhaar, voter ID or any photo ID)
• Written complaint, two copies, signed and dated
• Evidence: photos, videos, screenshots, call records
• Medical report if injured
• Bills, invoice, RC or IMEI for stolen items
• Bank statements and transaction IDs for fraud
• Names and phone numbers of witnesses

Cost and timelines

Cost of FIR

Nothing. Filing an FIR and the copy are both free; no one may charge you

When it must be registered

Immediately for a cognizable offence (Lalita Kumari, 2013)

Preliminary enquiry

Only for offences with 3–7 years punishment, within 14 days (s.173(3))

e-FIR signature

Within 3 days at the police station

Investigation update

Within 90 days (s.193(3))

The law and sources

• BNSS 2023, s.173(1) — FIR for a cognizable offence, oral or electronic, irrespective of where the offence happened (Zero FIR); e-FIR signed within 3 days.
• BNSS s.173(2) — Copy of the FIR to the informant free of cost.
• BNSS s.173(4) — If the station refuses, send the substance in writing to the Superintendent of Police.
• BNSS s.175(3) — Magistrate can order investigation on an application supported by affidavit, after the SP route is tried.
• Lalita Kumari v. Govt. of UP (2014) 2 SCC 1 — Registering an FIR is mandatory when information discloses a cognizable offence.
• BNS 2023, s.199 — Punishment for a public servant who fails to record information in certain offences against women.