Police Refusing to File Your FIR? Here's Your Escalation Path
Registering an FIR for a cognizable offence isn't optional for police — if they refuse, you have real options.
For a cognizable offence (serious enough to arrest and investigate without a magistrate's order), police are legally required to register an FIR the moment they receive information disclosing it — this isn't discretionary.
If a station refuses, you can approach the Superintendent of Police (SP) in writing, describing what happened. Under BNSS Section 175, you can also approach a magistrate directly, who can order the police to register the FIR or investigate.
"Zero FIR" also applies — you can file at any police station regardless of where the offence occurred, and it gets transferred to the right jurisdiction afterward. You don't have to be turned away because "it's not our area."
The duty to register an FIR for a cognizable offence
Your route to a magistrate if a station won't act
Still wondering about...
What if I don't know which offences are "cognizable"?
Related questions
How to Actually File an RTI — Step by Step
It costs ₹10, takes ten minutes to write, and public authorities have to answer within 30 days. Here's exactly how.
Can a Hospital Refuse Emergency Treatment?
No — not even a private hospital, and not even if you can't pay upfront.
Can Parents Legally Claim Maintenance From Their Children?
Yes — and the process is faster and simpler than most people expect.
Heading to a protest? Know the full picture first.
This FAQ covers the specifics — our complete guide covers everything about police stops, arrest and detention in one place.
Open the Full GuideAdhikar is an independent citizen-awareness platform, not a Government of India website and doesn't take a position on the NEET protests themselves — this is general information about rights every student already has, not legal advice for a specific situation. For that, contact a lawyer or the free legal aid helpline (15100).