The police will not register your FIR — what the law lets you do next

First, the part that is not optional

If an offence is cognisable — theft, assault, a threat to life, cheating and the like — the officer in charge of a police station must register a First Information Report. That duty is in section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (the provision that replaced section 154 of the old Criminal Procedure Code). Three things follow from it:

• A written complaint must be recorded and read back to you.
• You are entitled to a free copy of the FIR.
• You should leave with an FIR number, or at least an acknowledgement that you handed the complaint in.

If the matter is non-cognisable, the police will instead enter it in the station diary and may tell you to approach a Magistrate. That is lawful — it is not the same thing as being turned away.

“It did not happen here, go to that station”

This is the refusal with the shortest answer. A Zero FIR can be registered at any police station, whatever the place of the offence, and is then transferred to the station that has jurisdiction. Police cannot refuse a Zero FIR on the ground of jurisdiction. For specified offences an e-FIR can also be filed online.

Write the complaint before you go

A complaint that is already on paper is much harder to wave away. Put down, plainly and in order: what happened, when, where, who was involved, what was lost or who was injured, and what you want done. Sign it, and keep a copy for yourself.

The three doors, in order

1. The station. Hand over the written complaint. Ask for the FIR copy with its number, or an acknowledgement.
2. The Superintendent of Police (the Commissioner, in a city). If the station refuses, send the same complaint to the SP by registered post with acknowledgement due under BNSS section 173(4). Keep the postal receipt — it is your proof of the date.
3. The Magistrate. If there is still no action, file a private complaint before the jurisdictional Judicial First Class Magistrate, who can order an investigation under BNSS section 175(3) (formerly CrPC 156(3)).

In Kerala you can also take it to the District Police Chief, complain through the Kerala Police website, or use the Chief Minister's public grievance portal. These run alongside the three doors above; they do not replace them.

What happens after the FIR

Expect an FIR number and a free copy, then investigation — statements, and a medical examination if there are injuries. The investigating officer is supposed to keep the complainant informed of the progress of the case. If the police eventually file a closure report, you are entitled to notice of it and you can object before the Magistrate. A closure report is not the end of the road unless you let it be.

Keep these ready

Identity proof, the written complaint, photographs and videos, messages, call records, medical records, and the names and phone numbers of witnesses.