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FIR & Cognizable-Offence Guide

Check whether an offence is cognizable (police can register an FIR and arrest without a warrant) or non-cognizable (needs a Magistrate's order first) — under the BNS 2023 and the BNSS First Schedule.

Type an offence name or a BNS/IPC section. Results update as you type.

theft cheating hurt intimidation defamation trespass

How to get an FIR registered

  1. Go to the police station with jurisdiction (or any station — a Zero FIR can be registered anywhere and transferred).
  2. Give the information orally or in writing. For a cognizable offence, the officer must register the FIR (s.173 BNSS).
  3. The FIR is read over to you; you sign it and are entitled to a free copy.
  4. For a non-cognizable offence, police record it in the station diary and refer you to a Magistrate — investigation needs the Magistrate's order (s.174 BNSS).

If police refuse to register your FIR

  1. Send the complaint in writing to the Superintendent of Police (s.173(4) BNSS).
  2. If still no action, approach the Magistrate under s.175(3) BNSS, who can direct registration and investigation.
  3. BNSS also allows filing information electronically (e-FIR), signed within three days.
Informational guide, not legal advice. Cognizability can depend on the exact sub-section, value, or aggravating factors — search results note this where relevant. State amendments may vary classification. Source: BNSS 2023 First Schedule (indiacode.nic.in), verified per offence. Consult an advocate for your matter.