FIR, Complaint and Criminal Case: What Is the Difference?

An FIR is information recorded in relation to a cognizable offence under S. 173 BNSS (S. 154 CrPC). A complaint is defined in S. 2(1)(h) BNSS as an allegation made orally or in writing to a Magistrate, with a view to taking action under the Sanhita, alleging that a person has committed an offence, but excluding a police report. “Criminal case” is a broader expression covering criminal proceedings that may originate through an FIR/police investigation or through a complaint before a Magistrate. The procedural route and available remedies depend on how the proceedings commenced and their current stage.

Important: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Criminal-law provisions and case law should be checked against the law applicable to the particular facts, date and procedural stage.