What to Do If Police Refuse to Register Your FIR: Frequently Asked Questions in Chennai

Where the property or matter is in Chennai, common questions on what to do if police refuse to register your fir, explained in plain terms, for someone in Chennai.

Before the frequently asked questions

Under BNSS s.173(4), if the police refuse to register an FIR, the aggrieved person may send the substance of the information in writing, by post, to the Superintendent of Police.

If this does not lead to registration, the next step is an application to the jurisdictional Magistrate for a direction to register the FIR, which under BNSS s.175(3) must be supported by an affidavit.

Frequently asked questions

What is my first step if a police station refuses to register my complaint?

Send the substance of your complaint in writing, by post, to the Superintendent of Police, as provided under BNSS s.173(4).

What if the SP also does not act?

You can apply to the jurisdictional Magistrate for a direction to register the FIR. BNSS s.175(3) requires this application to be supported by an affidavit.

Relevant forums in Chennai

• The High Court with jurisdiction is the Madras High Court.
• Matters at the district level are generally handled at the Chennai City Civil Court or Small Causes Court.
• The relevant police authority is the Greater Chennai Police.

For a fuller explanation, see FIR Registration and Zero FIR: How It Works and Preliminary Enquiry Before an FIR: When Police Can Hold One.

Where this applies to a live matter, it is usually worth discussing it in a consultation before acting.

This overview is general information, not legal advice. Procedures and local practice can differ, so a specific review of your matter is advisable before acting.