How do I file an FIR in India?

Go to the police station (any station — a Zero FIR can be filed anywhere and transferred), narrate the cognizable offence, have it written down, read it before signing, and collect your free copy — registration is mandatory for cognizable offences. If police refuse: escalate in writing to the Superintendent of Police, and if still refused, apply to the Magistrate under Section 175(3) BNSS to order registration.

The FIR (First Information Report) is the document that sets criminal law in motion. Since 2024, the process runs under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which replaced the CrPC — and it strengthened complainants’ hands in useful ways.

When is an FIR registered?

For cognizable offences — the serious ones where police can arrest without a warrant: theft, robbery, assault causing hurt, cheating, criminal breach of trust, sexual offences, kidnapping, rioting. For non-cognizable matters (simple defamation, minor scuffles), police record an NCR and you proceed via the Magistrate.

How to file — step by step

Go to the police station — ideally where the offence occurred, but any station must take a Zero FIR and transfer it to the right jurisdiction. Refusing because “wrong area” is not allowed.
Narrate the facts — oral information must be written down by the officer and read back to you. Include date, time, place, persons involved, what happened, witnesses, and evidence you have.
e-FIR: BNSS permits electronic filing (state portals/apps); it must be signed within 3 days.
Sign only after reading. Correct anything wrong before signing.
Collect your copy — free of cost. This is a statutory right; note the FIR number, date and sections applied.

If police refuse to register

Written complaint to the SP/Commissioner (Section 173(4) BNSS) — by post/email, keep proof. The SP can register or direct investigation.
Application to the Magistrate under Section 175(3) BNSS to direct police to register the FIR. Attach your complaint and refusal evidence.
Lalita Kumari v. State of UP (2013, Supreme Court) settled that FIR registration is mandatory where information discloses a cognizable offence — police have no discretion to sit on it.

What happens after the FIR

Police investigate: statements, evidence, possibly arrests
Victims are entitled to progress updates (BNSS mandates 90-day updates to the informant)
The case ends in a chargesheet before the Magistrate or a closure report — you can contest a closure report

Practical tips

Take a written copy of your complaint with you; hand it over and get an acknowledgment
Stick to facts; exaggeration damages the case later
For urgent threats, call 112 first, FIR after
False FIRs are themselves an offence — never file one

This article is general information, not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult a qualified professional.

Frequently asked questions

Can I file an FIR at any police station?

Yes — a Zero FIR can be lodged at any police station regardless of where the offence occurred; it is registered with number '0' and transferred to the jurisdictional station. Police cannot turn you away for jurisdiction.

Can I file an FIR online?

BNSS recognises electronic FIRs. Most states offer e-FIR portals or apps for specified offences (commonly vehicle theft, lost property, cyber fraud via cybercrime.gov.in). The e-FIR must be signed by the informant within 3 days to be treated as filed.

What if police refuse to file my FIR?

Escalate in writing to the Superintendent of Police under Section 173(4) BNSS; if that fails, apply to the Magistrate under Section 175(3) BNSS to direct registration. The Supreme Court's Lalita Kumari ruling makes registration mandatory for cognizable offences.

Does filing an FIR cost anything?

No. FIR registration is free and you are entitled to a free copy immediately. Anyone demanding money for registering an FIR is committing an offence — report it.

Can an FIR be withdrawn or quashed later?

You cannot simply 'take back' an FIR. Compoundable offences can be settled; for others, the accused may seek quashing in the High Court (Section 528 BNSS / former 482 CrPC), often on the basis of a genuine settlement. Take legal advice before agreeing to anything.