Can a police complaint be filed online?

Yes, a police complaint can be filed online in India in many states and union territories. The online complaint system provides a convenient and efficient way for individuals to report crimes, grievances, or violations of law without visiting a police station. This system is particularly useful in cases like cyber crimes, financial frauds, missing persons, thefts, and harassment.

This article explains in detail the process, legal provisions, benefits, and precautions when filing a police complaint online in India.

Legal Basis for Filing a Police Complaint Online

The Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), 1973 does not explicitly mention the concept of filing a police complaint online. However, with the digital transformation of law enforcement agencies, many state police departments and central agencies have introduced online complaint portals to facilitate ease of reporting.

Key Legal Provisions Relevant to Online Complaints

?? Section 154 CrPC – If an online complaint reveals a cognizable offense, the police must register an FIR (First Information Report).

?? Information Technology Act, 2000 – Governs the process of reporting cyber crimes and online fraud.

?? Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860 – Applies to complaints related to fraud, threats, cheating, abuse, and other criminal offenses.

Note: Filing an online complaint does not automatically lead to an FIR in non-cognizable offenses. However, it helps initiate action by the police.

Types of Complaints That Can Be Filed Online

Most states and police departments accept online complaints for:

?? Cyber Crimes: Hacking, identity theft, phishing, online harassment, cyberbullying, sextortion, fake profiles, financial fraud.

?? Financial Frauds: Online banking fraud, UPI fraud, credit/debit card fraud, lottery scams.

?? Missing Persons: Complaints related to missing individuals.

?? Theft & Property-Related Crimes: Stolen vehicles, stolen mobile phones, burglary.

?? Domestic Violence & Harassment: Harassment by spouse, workplace harassment.

?? Traffic Violations: Wrong parking, hit and run cases, reckless driving.

?? Public Grievances: Complaints against police inaction, corruption, or misbehavior.

How to File a Police Complaint Online in India?

The online police complaint process varies depending on the state or central agency handling the case. However, the general steps remain the same.

Step 1: Visit the Official Website of the Concerned Police Department

Each state police department in India has a dedicated official website where online complaints can be filed.

If your state does not have an online portal, you may email your complaint to the official police department email ID.

Step 2: Select the Complaint Category

Once you visit the website, you need to choose the category of complaint, such as:

?? Cyber Crime

?? Theft

?? Missing Person

?? Fraud

?? Harassment

For cyber crimes, complaints should be filed at the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal

Step 3: Fill in the Complaint Form

You will be required to fill in the details of the complaint, including:

?? Personal Information: Name, email ID, mobile number, and address.

?? Incident Details: Date, time, and place of the incident.

?? Description of the Crime: A detailed account of what happened.

?? Supporting Documents: Attach relevant proof (screenshots, bank statements, videos, etc.).

Tip: Ensure that you provide accurate and truthful details. False complaints may attract legal penalties under Section 182 IPC (False Information to Public Servant).

Step 4: Submit the Complaint and Note the Reference Number

- After submitting the complaint, you will receive an acknowledgment number or reference number.

- This number can be used to track the status of your complaint.

?? Example: If you file a complaint on the Cyber Crime Portal, you will receive a tracking ID via SMS or email.

Step 5: Follow Up on Your Complaint

- If no action is taken on your complaint within a reasonable time, you can follow up by calling the police station or sending a reminder email.

- If still unresolved, escalate the matter to higher authorities like the Superintendent of Police (SP) or Commissioner of Police.

What Happens After Filing an Online Complaint?

?? For Cognizable Offenses: If the complaint falls under cognizable offenses (e.g., murder, rape, fraud, serious theft), the police must register an FIR under Section 154 CrPC and start an investigation.

?? For Non-Cognizable Offenses: The police may call you to visit the station and file a formal complaint in person before taking action.

?? For Cyber Crimes: The case may be forwarded to the Cyber Crime Cell for investigation.

?? For Financial Frauds: The complaint is forwarded to the respective cyber or economic offenses wing.

Note: Online complaints do not always result in an FIR. Some cases may require an in-person visit to the police station for verification.

Advantages of Filing a Police Complaint Online

? Convenience: Can be done from home, reducing the need to visit a police station.

? Speed: Faster reporting, especially for cyber crimes.

? Documentation: Digital records make it easier to track progress.

? Confidentiality: Useful for victims of sensitive cases like sexual harassment.

Challenges and Limitations of Online Police Complaints

Limited Coverage: Not all states offer an online complaint system.

No Automatic FIR: Not all online complaints lead to an FIR unless a cognizable offense is established.

Technical Issues: Some portals may face downtime or glitches.

What to Do If the Police Do Not Take Action on an Online Complaint?

If the police do not act on your online complaint, you can:

?? Approach the Higher Authorities – Write to the Superintendent of Police (SP) or Commissioner of Police.

?? File a Complaint with the Magistrate (Section 156(3) CrPC) – Request the magistrate to direct the police to register an FIR.

?? File a Writ Petition (Article 226 of the Constitution) – Seek relief from the High Court.

Conclusion

Yes, you can file a police complaint online in India, depending on your state’s police department policies. This system is particularly useful for cyber crimes, financial fraud, harassment, and theft cases.

However, not all online complaints lead to an FIR, and in many cases, an in-person visit to the police station may still be required. If your complaint is ignored, you have legal remedies available.

Would you like help in drafting an online police complaint? Let me know!

Important: Kindly Refer New Corresponding Sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, (BNS); Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, (BNSS); & Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023, (BSA) for IPC; CrPC & IEA used in the article.

Disclaimer: This information is intended for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a qualified lawyer for personalized advice specific to your situation.

Adcocate J.S. Rohilla (Civil & Criminal Lawyer in Indore)

Contact: 88271 22304

www.jsrohilla.in