Can I file an FIR online in India?

In many states you can lodge a complaint online, but for most cognizable offences a formal FIR still typically requires verification, and some states allow full online FIR registration only for specific categories like theft of vehicles or mobile phones or crimes against women. Online complaints are a strong first step and create an official record.

Key points

• Most state police departments have citizen portals where you can submit complaints electronically.
• For certain offences (e.g. vehicle theft, unknown-accused property crimes), some states allow a complete e-FIR.
• For serious cognizable offences, the police are still obligated to register an FIR even if you first complain online.
• Cyber crimes can be reported through the dedicated national cyber crime portal.
• Always keep the acknowledgement or complaint number generated after online submission.

Relevant law

Registration of FIRs for cognizable offences is governed by Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which also enables electronic filing of information. The Supreme Court in Lalita Kumari v. State of U.P. (2014) held that FIR registration is mandatory for cognizable offences.

What you can do

• Visit the Gujarat Police official citizen portal to submit an online complaint.
• For cyber crimes, file at the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930.
• Follow up at the local police station in Ahmedabad if the matter requires a formal FIR.
• Consult a criminal lawyer in Ahmedabad if the police refuse to register your complaint.