What is the difference between police complaint and FIR in India?
Asked by: Chasity Abbott | Last update: January 18, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (29 votes)
An FIR serves as a preliminary step to bring cognizable offences to the attention of the police, enabling swift action and investigation. A complaint, on the other hand, is a formal allegation made to the Magistrate, which can pertain to any offence, triggering judicial scrutiny and potential inquiry.
How long is an FIR valid in India?
FIR Validity
Validity, in terms of proceeding legally and arrest, however, is attached by the investigation. Key points about the validity of an FIR: Expiry Date: An FIR has no legal time limit. Police can file charges and make arrests based on the FIR for months or even years after someone files it.
What does FIR mean in Indian police?
A first information report (FIR) is a document prepared by police organisations in many South and Southeast Asian countries, including Myanmar, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, when they receive information about the commission of a cognisable offence, or in Singapore when the police receive information about any ...
How many types of police complaints are there in India?
In Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), the offences are divided into two categories; one Cognizable and the other Non-cognizable. Police is empowered to register the FIR and investigate only the cognizable offences. Police can arrest an accused involved in cognizable crime without the warrant from the Court.
What happens if FIR is filed against me in India?
If fir is filled against you then police will arrest you immediately and if nc is filed against you then they will call you fir inquiry. This all depends on the offence is it cogzinabale or not. You can check this in the register kept in the station or in there online record.
Difference Between FIR and Complaint // MJ Sir
How serious is a FIR in India?
An FIR is a very important document as it sets the process of criminal justice in motion. It is only after the FIR is registered in the police station that the police takes up investigation of the case.
How long do police keep records of complaints?
Public agencies are required to retain records of complaints for (1) at least five years where there was no sustained finding of misconduct and (2) at least fifteen years where there was a sustained finding of misconduct.
What happens after you file a police complaint in India?
After you file the police complaint: The police will give you a complaint number and a free xerox copy of the complaint, for your record. (Section 154, Criminal Procedure Code) If the complaint is for a non-cognizable offence, the police will direct you to file a complaint with the Magistrate.
Can I file a police complaint in India from the USA?
You can provide details of the alleged offense, share evidence if available, and submit your complaint electronically. This method is efficient, user-friendly, and allows you to initiate the process without physically being in India.
What are the three categories of complaints?
- Time-based complaints.
- Company-based complaints.
- Product/service-based complaints.
What is the difference between complaint and FIR in India?
An FIR serves as a preliminary step to bring cognizable offences to the attention of the police, enabling swift action and investigation. A complaint, on the other hand, is a formal allegation made to the Magistrate, which can pertain to any offence, triggering judicial scrutiny and potential inquiry.
Who can cancel FIR in India?
If you are accused, you can get the FIR quashed from concerned High court depending upon the contents of complaint. Even the police can cancel the FIR if no offense is made out during the investigation.
How many days after an accident can you file a police report in India?
It's also helpful to gather contact details of any witnesses to the accident. Notify the Police: In India, it's mandatory to report any accident involving injury, death, or significant property damage to the nearest police station as soon as possible, typically within 24 hours of the incident.
Can we do online FIR in India?
One can do online FIR registration or online police complaint about cognizable crimes. Non-cognizable crimes require submitting a complaint to the magistrate. The magistrate, in turn, directs police for action. A “cognizable” crime covers for example murder, rape, rioting, dacoity, etc.
Can a US citizen file a case in India?
Yes you can, be it usa or any other country you can always file a civil case by virtue of explanation to s. 10 of civil procedure code,1908 which says that nothing precludes Indian courts from instituting a civil suit in an Indian court provided the parties and cause of action are same.
Can NRI file a civil case in India?
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can file civil suits in India. The jurisdiction for such suits is generally determined by the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (CPC) and specific statutes relevant to the subject matter of the suit.
Can a foreigner file FIR in India?
FIR can be filed by anybody, whether Indian or foreigner, if he comes to know of a crime having been committed. Indian citizens or NRIs do not enjoy any special status in this regard.
What happens if someone files a complaint against you in India?
After taking cognizance upon a complaint, the Magistrate or Court, as the case may be, proceeds to record the statements of complainant and his witnesses present, if any u/s 200 of the Code or the statement/evidence or to make an order for investigation by a police officer or by any person other than police officer, as ...
What happens after you file a complaint against a police officer?
When you file a complaint against a police officer in California, the local law enforcement agency where the officer is employed will be responsible for investigating the allegations. They will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review any available documentation related to the incident.
How long does it take for a police complaint?
The timeline to get a police report will vary depending on the jurisdiction that handles it. The responding agency will also be a factor. Some have no set standards, so you could look at anywhere from a day to up to four weeks or even longer.
How much does it cost to sue the police?
Filing Fees: Typically range from $400 to $600, depending on the court. Expert Witness Fees: Expert testimony is often necessary to prove police misconduct and can cost thousands of dollars. Other Expenses: Court costs, deposition fees, and document production expenses may also be incurred.
Do complaints go on your record?
police may check the record of someone filing a police report. When they ID the person reporting, they have a database that brings up their entire record. However, having a criminal past does not prevent one from filing a police report. The above system I reference is used in California.
How long are written complaints kept for?
Customer complaint records shall be preserved for a period of at least four years.
What is the cost of FIR in India?
No, there is no fees for registration of an FIR. If a person is charging fees then he can be charged under section 171E and 217 IPC. After the “Lalita kumari v state of up” a police officer is bound to register an FIR.…
What is the life span of FIR?
The largest coast Douglas firs commonly live to be at least 500 years and sometimes exceed 1,000 years. Rocky Mountain Douglas firs have a shorter lifespan, usually living no more than 400 years. The population of these trees is stable.