Blank paper with fountain pen and brass service bell on a wooden desk — symbolic of filing a police FIR Criminal Procedure

Police FIR / Complaint Drafter — §173 BNSS 2023

Under §173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, every cognisable offence must be recorded as an FIR. You can file at any police station (Zero-FIR rule) regardless of where the offence occurred. Lalita Kumari v State of UP (2014) makes FIR registration mandatory. Build a precise, dated complaint.

Print-ready Bilingual EN + HI Generated in your browser BNSS 2023 framing

1. Pick the broad nature of the offence

The exact section will be applied by the police / magistrate. This picker only sets the statutory framing for your application.

Zero-FIR rule: Even if the offence happened outside the jurisdiction of the police station where you are filing, the station is bound to register a 'Zero-FIR' and transfer it to the jurisdictional station. Lalita Kumari v State of UP (2014) makes registration of FIR mandatory for any cognisable offence.

2. Fill the complaint details

Tip: Use plain language. The police will translate / put it into formal form for the FIR record.

Your rights at the police station

The BNSS 2023 + Supreme Court rulings give you specific, non-negotiable rights. Carry this list.

Mandatory registration

§173 BNSS + Lalita Kumari v State of UP (2014) 2 SCC 1: registration of FIR is mandatory for any cognisable offence. No preliminary inquiry permitted.

Free copy of FIR

You are entitled to a FREE copy of the registered FIR forthwith under §173(2) BNSS. Demand it before leaving the station.

Zero-FIR

If the offence happened elsewhere, the station must still register a Zero-FIR and transfer it to the jurisdictional station. Refusal is itself an offence under §198 BNS.

If FIR is refused

§173(4) BNSS: send a written complaint by registered post to the Superintendent of Police. If still ignored: §175(3) BNSS application to the jurisdictional Magistrate.

Women's rights

§173(1) proviso: complaints by women relating to §74-79 BNS / §175 BNS (sexual offences) may be recorded by a woman officer. Recording can be done at the complainant's residence.

e-FIR option

§173(1)(ii) BNSS: information may be given electronically. You must sign the FIR within 3 days for it to take effect.

This is a starter application, not legal advice. Filing a false FIR is itself an offence under §217 / §227 BNS. Be precise and truthful. For grievous offences (rape, murder, kidnapping) consult a criminal lawyer before / immediately after filing. For DV / dowry harassment, an FIR under §85 BNS works alongside a Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 application — they are not mutually exclusive. KanoonPilot does not file the FIR for you and does not represent you in the criminal proceedings.