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An FIR (First Information Report) sets the criminal law in motion. Here is how to file one, what the police must do, and the remedies if they refuse.
Last reviewed: October 2026 · General information only, not legal advice.
An FIR is the information about a cognizable offence — one where police can arrest without a warrant, such as theft, cheating, assault, murder or rape — recorded by the police under BNSS 173 (earlier Section 154 CrPC). For non-cognizable offences, the police record the information in a register (often called an NCR) and refer the informant to the Magistrate BNSS 174.
For cognizable offences punishable with 3 years or more but less than 7 years, the police may, with the permission of a DSP-rank officer, conduct a preliminary enquiry within 14 days to check whether a prima facie case exists before registering the FIR BNSS 173(3).
Yes. Under Section 173(1) of the BNSS, an FIR for a cognizable offence must be registered irrespective of where the offence was committed. The police station then transfers it to the station having jurisdiction. This is known as a Zero FIR.
No. The informant or victim is entitled to a free copy of the FIR under Section 173(2) of the BNSS.
An application to the Magistrate to direct police investigation, earlier under Section 156(3) CrPC, is now made under Section 175(3) of the BNSS. It must be supported by an affidavit and is made after approaching the Superintendent of Police.
There is no fixed time limit to lodge an FIR, but delay can weaken the case, so it should be filed as soon as possible. Courts examine whether any delay has been satisfactorily explained.
Every case turns on its own facts. Speak to Advocate Ajay Mishra for advice specific to your situation — in person at IP Extension (Delhi) or Vaishali (Ghaziabad), by phone, or by video call.