Complaint to the SP/SSP when the FIR is not registered (s.173(4) BNSS)
The next step when the police station will not register your FIR.
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How the paper begins
With Dastavo's sample details; the people and places are fictional. The words in blue are the ones you fill in.
To,
The Senior Superintendent of Police,
District Amarnagar
Subject: Non-registration of FIR by Police Station City Amarnagar
Sir/Madam,
1.That on 01-09-2026, the applicant gave a written complaint to the SHO, Police Station City Amarnagar, about the following offence: Kabir Sharma took ₹2,00,000 from me on 15-08-2026 promising a job and has neither given the job nor returned the money.
2.That despite the complaint disclosing cognizable offences, the SHO has not registered an FIR so far.
3.That under Section 173(4) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, it is requested that you investigate the case yourself, or direct an officer subordinate to you to investigate it, after registering the FIR. A copy of the earlier complaint is attached.
Thanking you,
Date: 12-10-2026
Meera Sharma
House No. 7, Basant Vihar, Amarnagar, Tehsil and District Amarnagar, Punjab
Phone: 0000000003
What to bring
Papers to bring
- A copy of your complaint to the SHO, with its receiving stamp, DDR or complaint number
- Copies of the evidence you gave with it
- Aadhaar card or another photo identity proof (photocopy; the original to show)
- The postal receipt and tracking report, if you sent the earlier complaint by post
Where to go
Sent in writing by registered post, or handed in, at the office of the SSP or SP of the district (in a police commissionerate, the Commissioner of Police); keep the postal receipt or the diary number.
Fee
There is no fee for giving a complaint to the police.
Good to know
- If the SP does not act either, an advocate can apply to the Magistrate: see "Application to the Magistrate for an FIR direction (s.175(3) BNSS)".
- Keep the postal receipts and tracking reports: the Magistrate will want proof that you went to the SHO and the SP first.
- State only what you know yourself, with dates and places: a false complaint or affidavit is itself an offence.
Papers and fees can change. Check with the office before you go. Guidance only, not yet reviewed by a lawyer.
Stamp paper
Plain paper is enough.