File a Criminal Complaint
Assistance with police complaints, FIR-related remedies, private complaints and appropriate criminal proceedings.
- Estimate Cost
- ₹5,000 – ₹50,000
- Typical duration
- 15 days
Service overview
Support for initiating criminal action where a person believes an offence has been committed.
Criminal proceedings require careful handling of the record, the procedural stage and the evidence available. The immediate objective may be release, initiating a complaint, trial representation or challenging a procedural step.
Who needs it? / When is it needed?
Victims or complainants needing to approach the police or Magistrate.
Seek advice as soon as there is an arrest, notice, search, seizure, police complaint or court date. If someone is in custody or a deadline is imminent, make that clear before discussing the wider facts.
What to expect from the WCP Professionals
The professional would first test whether the facts disclose a cognisable offence, then prepare the appropriate complaint and advise on what evidence should accompany it.
How the work would proceed:
- The professional would take a detailed chronology, identify the conduct complained of and review the available records before choosing the route
- They would distinguish a police complaint from a private complaint or a later court application, then draft the facts and supporting material in a clear sequence
- If the matter has already been reported, earlier complaint numbers, responses and dates should be included
Key deliverables
Police complaint/FIR representation, follow-up representation, private complaint, Magistrate application or High Court remedy where appropriate.
The case file should identify the legal position, relevant evidence, procedural stage and next hearing or deadline. Court appearances and ongoing representation should be expressly agreed as part of the engagement.
Standard turnaround time
2-7 working days for preparation, depending on the facts.
Urgent applications may need to be prepared quickly, but the time required depends on the available police/court records. Listing, investigation, witness availability and court directions are outside the professional's control.
Government fees, timelines & key outcomes
- There is no government fee for making an ordinary police complaint
- Court applications may attract court-specific fees
- Under BNSS Section 173, information relating to a cognisable offence may be given orally or electronically
Court fees and related expenses depend on the forum and application. Any fee estimate should separate professional charges, filing costs and out-of-pocket expenses.
Forms & filings involved
Police complaint, complaint before Magistrate and appropriate court applications under the BNSS.
The applicable procedure and forms depend on the nature of the offence, stage and court. The correct provisions should be checked against the criminal-law regime applicable to the case, especially where proceedings began before a statutory change.
Documents required
Identity documents, chronology, messages, contracts, photographs, transaction records and other evidence.
Please preserve the FIR, seizure records, statements, orders, notices and prior applications in full. Do not rely on a verbal summary if the actual document can be obtained.
What we need from you
A clear factual chronology and original evidence.
Provide a truthful chronology, including facts that may be adverse, and identify witnesses or records that may no longer be available. Do not contact witnesses or alter evidence without legal advice.
Important conditions
The facts must be stated accurately. A criminal complaint should not be used merely as leverage in an essentially civil dispute.
Bail, trial and complaint outcomes depend on the facts and the court's assessment. No professional can guarantee release, acquittal, conviction or a particular sentence.
Additional information
Current quashing proceedings before the High Court are governed by Section 528 BNSS, which preserves the High Court's inherent powers.
Where the matter involves a special statute or a parallel civil dispute, the applicable procedure and any separate remedy should be assessed at the outset.
The estimated cost covers indicative professional fees only. Government fees, stamp duty and taxes are payable at actuals.
How it works
- 1. Raise a service enquiry describing your requirement.
- 2. A Relationship Manager reviews it and opens it for bidding.
- 3. Pay into escrow and assign the professional you select.
- 4. Track progress to completion, then accept and release payment.
Frequently asked questions
How do I file an FIR?
By giving information of a cognizable offence to the police, orally or in writing; it can also be lodged electronically under the BNSS, to be signed within three days.
What is a zero FIR?
An FIR registered at any police station regardless of where the offence occurred, then transferred to the station with jurisdiction.
What if the police do not register my FIR?
Approach the Superintendent of Police in writing, or apply to the magistrate to order an investigation or take cognizance.
Is there a fee for filing a police complaint?
No. Registering a police complaint or FIR is free; court complaints may attract court fees.