Constitutional & Criminal Law / rights guide

Police FIR & Summons Guidance

Navigating police station inquiries, responding to Section 35(3) BNSS notices, and remedies when stations refuse to register cognizable complaints.

Statutory provisions and authorities

  • BNSS § 173 (Information in Cognizable Cases - FIR)
  • BNSS § 173(4) (Remedy via Superintendent of Police)
  • BNSS § 35(3) (Notice of Appearance)
  • Lalita Kumari v. Govt. of Uttar Pradesh (2014)

Citizen safeguards

  • Right to free copy of FIR immediately upon registration
  • Right to zero-FIR (registration at any station irrespective of jurisdiction)
  • Right to legal counsel presence during formal statement recording
  • Right to petition the Superintendent of Police under Section 173(4) BNSS upon refusal to register FIR

Procedural guide

First Information Reports (FIR) and Police Inquiries

A First Information Report (FIR) sets the criminal law into motion. Understanding the distinction between cognizable and non-cognizable reports is critical for timely legal protection.

1. Mandatory FIR Registration

2. Responding to Station Summons (BNSS § 35(3))

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