How to Register FIR Online — Online Police Complaint in India

Filing an FIR is your legal right as an Indian citizen. The police cannot refuse to register your complaint for a cognizable offence. This guide explains every way to file an FIR — online, offline, and what to do if you face resistance.

What Is an FIR (First Information Report)?

An FIR (First Information Report) is the first document the police prepare when they receive information about a cognizable offence — a crime where the police can arrest without a warrant and start investigation without a Magistrate's order.

An FIR is not a charge sheet or judgment. It simply sets the criminal justice process in motion. Once registered, the police are legally bound to investigate.

Key legal basis: Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973 — now Section 173 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.

When Can You File an FIR?

Cognizable Offences (FIR is mandatory)

These are serious crimes where police must register an FIR:

• Theft, robbery, dacoity
• Murder, attempt to murder
• Kidnapping and abduction
• Sexual assault and rape
• Domestic violence (physical)
• Cheating and fraud (above certain threshold)
• Cyber crimes — hacking, online fraud, identity theft
• Dowry harassment (Section 498A IPC / Section 85 BNS)

Non-Cognizable Offences (NC Report)

For minor offences like verbal abuse, minor scuffles, or defamation, the police file a Non-Cognizable (NC) report. You may need to approach a Magistrate for further action.

Rule of thumb: If the crime involves violence, significant financial loss, or threat to safety — it's almost always cognizable. File that FIR.

How to File FIR Online — State-Wise Portals

Many Indian states now allow you to file complaints or e-FIRs online. Here are the major portals:

🔵 National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal

For all cyber crimes across India

• Portal: cybercrime.gov.in
• Helpline: 1930 (National Cyber Crime Helpline)
• Covers: online fraud, hacking, social media abuse, cyber stalking, child pornography, financial fraud
• You can file complaints anonymously for crimes against women and children
• Track your complaint with the acknowledgment number

How to use:

1. Visit cybercrime.gov.in
2. Click "File a Complaint"
3. Select complaint category — Women/Child Related or Other Cyber Crimes
4. Register with your mobile number and OTP
5. Fill in the details, upload evidence (screenshots, transaction IDs)
6. Note down the complaint number for tracking

🔵 Delhi Police

• Portal: delhipolice.gov.in
• Online complaint: Go to Services → Online FIR / Complaint
• Helpline: 112 (Emergency), 1091 (Women)
• e-FIR available for vehicle theft and certain property offences

🔵 Uttar Pradesh Police

• Portal: uppolice.gov.in
• Online complaint: CCTNS-based e-FIR system
• Helpline: 112 (Emergency), 1090 (Women Power Line)
• e-FIR for vehicle theft, lost articles

🔵 Maharashtra Police

• Portal: citizen.mahapolice.gov.in
• Online complaint registration available
• Helpline: 112 (Emergency), 103 (Missing Persons)
• You can file NC complaints and certain cognizable complaints online

🔵 Karnataka State Police

• Portal: ksp.karnataka.gov.in
• Online complaint and FIR tracking available
• Helpline: 112 (Emergency)

Other State Portals

Most states have their own citizen portals. Search "[your state] police online complaint" or visit cctns.gov.in for the national Crime and Criminal Tracking Network.

How to File FIR at a Police Station (Offline)

If your complaint requires a full FIR (not just e-FIR), or if the online portal doesn't cover your crime type, visit the nearest police station:

1. Go to the nearest police station — preferably where the crime occurred
2. Give your statement to the Station House Officer (SHO) or duty officer
3. The police will write down your complaint — this becomes the FIR
4. Read the FIR carefully before signing. Ensure all facts are accurate
5. Get a free copy — you are legally entitled to a free copy of the FIR
6. Note the FIR number, date, and sections applied

Tip: Carry a written complaint in Hindi or English. It helps ensure nothing is missed or altered.

Zero FIR — File Anywhere in India

You don't need to go to the police station where the crime happened.

Under the Zero FIR provision, any police station in India must accept your FIR, regardless of jurisdiction. The FIR is later transferred to the police station that has jurisdiction.

This is especially important for:

• Crimes during travel (theft on trains, highway robbery)
• Women's safety — don't waste time finding the "right" police station
• Time-sensitive cases — every minute matters

The police station cannot refuse a Zero FIR. If they do, it's a violation of law.

e-FIR and NC Complaints

e-FIR

Some states allow e-FIR for specific offences (usually vehicle theft, lost mobile phones, or lost documents). This is a real FIR filed online without visiting the police station.

Note: For most serious crimes, you'll still need to visit the police station after the initial online complaint to give your statement and provide evidence.

NC (Non-Cognizable) Complaint

For minor offences, the police register an NC report instead of an FIR. You can file NC complaints online in many states. If you want police investigation into an NC offence, you need to approach a Magistrate for an order.

Documents You Need

Keep these ready when filing an FIR:

• Aadhaar card or any government ID (for identity verification)
• Written complaint (in Hindi or English, with clear facts)
• Evidence:
  • Photos or videos of the incident
  • Screenshots (for cyber crimes)
  • Medical reports (for assault, injury cases)
  • Bank statements, UPI transaction IDs (for fraud)
• Witness details (name, phone number, address if available)
• Vehicle registration details (for vehicle theft)
• Previous complaints or communications (if any)

For cyber crimes: Save URLs, take screenshots, note down transaction IDs and phone numbers. Don't delete any messages or call logs.

How to Track FIR Status Online

Once your FIR is registered, you can track its status:

1. State police portals — Most portals let you search by FIR number
2. CCTNS (cctns.gov.in) — National tracking system (being rolled out)
3. cybercrime.gov.in — Track cyber crime complaints with your complaint number
4. SMS alerts — Some states send status updates via SMS
5. RTI — If nothing else works, file an RTI with the police department

What to track:

• Whether investigation has started
• Whether charge sheet has been filed
• Current status of the case

What to Do If Police Refuse to File FIR

This is unfortunately common. But you have strong legal remedies:

Step 1: Written Complaint to SP/DCP

Send a written complaint (by post or email) to the Superintendent of Police (SP) or Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of your district. They can direct the SHO to register the FIR.

Step 2: Approach the Magistrate — Section 156(3) CrPC

If the SP also doesn't help, go to the Judicial Magistrate of your area and file an application under Section 156(3) of CrPC (now Section 175(3) of BNSS). The Magistrate can:

• Order the police to register an FIR
• Order investigation into your complaint
• This is a powerful legal tool — the police must comply with a Magistrate's order

Step 3: Human Rights Commission

If the police harass you or refuse to help, you can complain to the State Human Rights Commission or the National Human Rights Commission (nhrc.nic.in).

Step 4: Online Grievance

File a complaint on CPGRAMS (pgportal.gov.in) — the centralized public grievance portal of the Government of India.

Remember: Refusing to register an FIR for a cognizable offence is a punishable offence for the police officer. You are not asking for a favor — it is your legal right.

Important Helplines

Quick Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file FIR online for all crimes?

No. Online FIR (e-FIR) is available only for certain offences like vehicle theft or lost articles in most states. For serious crimes, you can file an online complaint which the police will convert to an FIR after verification. For cyber crimes, use cybercrime.gov.in.

Is there a time limit to file an FIR?

There is no time limit for cognizable offences. However, filing early strengthens your case and preserves evidence. For some offences, delay may need to be explained to the court.

Can I file FIR without knowing the accused?

Yes. You can file an FIR against unknown persons. The police will investigate and identify the accused.

What is the difference between FIR and complaint?

An FIR is for cognizable offences (police must register it). A complaint is a broader term — it can be for any offence, and may or may not lead to an FIR. Online portals often take "complaints" which are then converted to FIRs.

Can I withdraw an FIR?

You cannot directly "withdraw" an FIR. For compoundable offences, both parties can reach a settlement and request the court to close the case. For non-compoundable offences, only the court can decide.

This guide is for informational purposes. For legal advice specific to your situation, consult a lawyer. Laws referenced include the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).