{"id":31168,"date":"2026-08-30T05:09:56","date_gmt":"2026-08-30T05:09:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=31168"},"modified":"2026-08-30T05:13:48","modified_gmt":"2026-08-30T05:13:48","slug":"landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/","title":{"rendered":"Landmark Supreme Court Judgements on FIR &amp; Police Accountability"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 id=\"h-introduction\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction\"><\/span>Introduction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The registration of a First Information Report (FIR) forms the foundational gateway to India\u2019s criminal justice system, triggering investigation and safeguarding citizens\u2019 right to access justice.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_87 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Introduction\" >Introduction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Mandatory_Registration_of_FIR_Rule_Against_Refusal\" >Mandatory Registration of FIR &amp; Rule Against Refusal<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Mandatory_Duty_Under_Law_Lalita_Kumari_v_Government_of_Uttar_Pradesh_2014_2_SCC_1\" >Mandatory Duty Under Law: Lalita Kumari v. Government of Uttar Pradesh, (2014) 2 SCC 1<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Initiation_of_Criminal_Law_State_of_Haryana_v_Bhajan_Lal_1992_Supp_1_SCC_335\" >Initiation of Criminal Law: State of Haryana v. Bhajan Lal, 1992 Supp (1) SCC 335<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Statutory_Obligation_Consequences_Ramesh_Kumari_v_State_NCT_of_Delhi_2006_2_SCC_677\" >Statutory Obligation &amp; Consequences: Ramesh Kumari v. State (NCT of Delhi), (2006) 2 SCC 677<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Evidentiary_Authenticity_Is_a_Matter_of_Investigation_Parkash_Singh_Badal_v_State_of_Punjab_2007_1_SCC_1\" >Evidentiary Authenticity Is a Matter of Investigation: Parkash Singh Badal v. State of Punjab, (2007) 1 SCC 1<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Uncertainty_Does_Not_Justify_Inaction_N2Z_v_State_of_Maharashtra_AIR_2022_SC_3957\" >Uncertainty Does Not Justify Inaction: N2Z v. State of Maharashtra, AIR 2022 SC 3957<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Scope_Statutory_Boundaries_of_Preliminary_Inquiry\" >Scope &amp; Statutory Boundaries of Preliminary Inquiry<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Not_Mandatory_in_Every_Case_State_of_Telangana_v_Managipet_2019_19_SCC_87\" >Not Mandatory in Every Case: State of Telangana v. Managipet, (2019) 19 SCC 87<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Strict_Statutory_Boundaries_Union_of_India_v_Ashok_Kumar_Sharma_2021_12_SCC_674\" >Strict Statutory Boundaries: Union of India v. Ashok Kumar Sharma, (2021) 12 SCC 674<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Procedural_Safeguards_Under_New_Criminal_Laws_Imran_Pratapgarhi_v_State_of_Gujarat_2025_INSC_410\" >Procedural Safeguards Under New Criminal Laws: Imran Pratapgarhi v. State of Gujarat, 2025 INSC 410<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Remedies_Against_Police_Inaction_Mandatory_Escalation\" >Remedies Against Police Inaction &amp; Mandatory Escalation<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Statutory_Escalation_Hierarchy_Sakiri_Vasu_v_State_of_Uttar_Pradesh_2008_2_SCC_409\" >Statutory Escalation Hierarchy: Sakiri Vasu v. State of Uttar Pradesh, (2008) 2 SCC 409<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Primary_Recourse_to_Criminal_Procedure_Sudhir_Bhaskarrao_Tambe_v_Hemant_Yashwant_Dhage_2016_6_SCC_277\" >Primary Recourse to Criminal Procedure: Sudhir Bhaskarrao Tambe v. Hemant Yashwant Dhage, (2016) 6 SCC 277<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Mandatory_Safeguards_Affidavits_Priyanka_Srivastava_v_State_of_Uttar_Pradesh_2015_6_SCC_287\" >Mandatory Safeguards &amp; Affidavits: Priyanka Srivastava v. State of Uttar Pradesh, (2015) 6 SCC 287<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Avoidance_of_Direct_Writ_Remedies_Aleque_Padamsee_v_Union_of_India_2007_6_SCC_504\" >Avoidance of Direct Writ Remedies: Aleque Padamsee v. Union of India, (2007) 6 SCC 504<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Exhaustion_of_Alternative_Remedies_M_Subramaniam_v_S_Janaki_2020_16_SCC_728\" >Exhaustion of Alternative Remedies: M. Subramaniam v. S. Janaki, (2020) 16 SCC 728<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Compliance_with_Escalation_Hierarchy_Omprakash_Ambedkar_v_State_of_Maharashtra_AIR_2025_SC_970\" >Compliance with Escalation Hierarchy: Omprakash Ambedkar v. State of Maharashtra, AIR 2025 SC 970<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Territorial_Jurisdiction_%E2%80%9CZero_FIR%E2%80%9D_Mandate\" >Territorial Jurisdiction &amp; \u201cZero FIR\u201d Mandate<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Jurisdiction_Cannot_Block_Registration_Rasiklal_Dalpatram_Thakkar_v_State_of_Gujarat_2010_1_SCC_1\" >Jurisdiction Cannot Block Registration: Rasiklal Dalpatram Thakkar v. State of Gujarat, (2010) 1 SCC 1<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Mandatory_Zero_FIR_System_Kirti_Vashisht_v_State_NCT_of_Delhi_2019_SCC_OnLine_Del_11713\" >Mandatory Zero FIR System: Kirti Vashisht v. State (NCT of Delhi), 2019 SCC OnLine Del 11713<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Delayed_FIR_Evidentiary_Value_Victim_Rights\" >Delayed FIR, Evidentiary Value &amp; Victim Rights<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Importance_of_Promptness_Thulia_Kali_v_State_of_Tamil_Nadu_1972_3_SCC_393\" >Importance of Promptness: Thulia Kali v. State of Tamil Nadu, (1972) 3 SCC 393<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Delay_Not_Automatically_Fatal_State_of_Himachal_Pradesh_v_Gian_Chand_2001_6_SCC_71\" >Delay Not Automatically Fatal: State of Himachal Pradesh v. Gian Chand, (2001) 6 SCC 71<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Strict_Duty_in_Serious_Offence_Cases_Mukesh_Anr_v_State_NCT_of_Delhi_2017_6_SCC_1_Nirbhaya_Case\" >Strict Duty in Serious Offence Cases: Mukesh &amp; Anr. v. State (NCT of Delhi), (2017) 6 SCC 1 (Nirbhaya Case)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Strict_Police_Accountability_Criminal_Sanctions\" >Strict Police Accountability &amp; Criminal Sanctions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Legal_Consequences_for_Refusal_Lalita_Kumari_v_Government_of_Uttar_Pradesh_2014_2_SCC_1\" >Legal Consequences for Refusal: Lalita Kumari v. Government of Uttar Pradesh, (2014) 2 SCC 1<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Latest_Case_Laws\" >Latest Case Laws<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Pradeep_Nirankarnath_Sharma_v_State_of_Gujarat_2025_INSC_350\" >Pradeep Nirankarnath Sharma v. State of Gujarat, 2025 INSC 350<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Vinod_Kumar_Pandey_Anr_v_Seesh_Ram_Saini_Ors_2025_INSC_1095\" >Vinod Kumar Pandey &amp; Anr. v. Seesh Ram Saini &amp; Ors., 2025 INSC 1095<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Amit_Kumar_v_Union_of_India_2025_INSC_384_Criminal_Appeal\" >Amit Kumar v. Union of India, 2025 INSC 384 (Criminal Appeal)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over decades, the Supreme Court has consistently reinforced that police have a mandatory, non-discretionary duty to record cognisable offences under Section 154 CrPC (now Section 173 BNSS), while carefully delineating the limited scope of preliminary enquiries, remedies against inaction, territorial flexibility through Zero FIRs, the evidentiary implications of delay, and strict accountability mechanisms\u2014including departmental and penal consequences\u2014for delinquent officers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This compilation of landmark judgements traces the evolution of these principles from foundational rulings to recent pronouncements under the new criminal laws, underscoring the judiciary\u2019s unwavering commitment to preventing police inaction, abuse of process, and denial of justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-mandatory-registration-of-fir-amp-rule-against-refusal\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mandatory_Registration_of_FIR_Rule_Against_Refusal\"><\/span>Mandatory Registration of FIR &amp; Rule Against Refusal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-mandatory-duty-under-law-lalita-kumari-v-government-of-uttar-pradesh-2014-2-scc-1\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mandatory_Duty_Under_Law_Lalita_Kumari_v_Government_of_Uttar_Pradesh_2014_2_SCC_1\"><\/span>Mandatory Duty Under Law: Lalita Kumari v. Government of Uttar Pradesh, (2014) 2 SCC 1<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Constitution Bench held that registration of an FIR is mandatory under Section 154 CrPC (now Section 173 BNSS) if the information discloses a cognisable offence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Police officers cannot evaluate the credibility, truthfulness, or reliability of allegations prior to recording an FIR, subject only to a limited preliminary inquiry in defined exceptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-initiation-of-criminal-law-state-of-haryana-v-bhajan-lal-1992-supp-1-scc-335\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Initiation_of_Criminal_Law_State_of_Haryana_v_Bhajan_Lal_1992_Supp_1_SCC_335\"><\/span>Initiation of Criminal Law: State of Haryana v. Bhajan Lal, 1992 Supp (1) SCC 335<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court emphasised that information disclosing a cognisable offence sets the criminal law in motion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the threshold stage, police officers must not assess the reliability of allegations as if conducting a pre-trial evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-statutory-obligation-amp-consequences-ramesh-kumari-v-state-nct-of-delhi-2006-2-scc-677\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Statutory_Obligation_Consequences_Ramesh_Kumari_v_State_NCT_of_Delhi_2006_2_SCC_677\"><\/span>Statutory Obligation &amp; Consequences: Ramesh Kumari v. State (NCT of Delhi), (2006) 2 SCC 677<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Registration of an FIR is a non-discretionary statutory duty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wilful refusal or failure by a police officer to record a cognisable complaint exposes the responsible officer to departmental disciplinary action and statutory penalties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-evidentiary-authenticity-is-a-matter-of-investigation-parkash-singh-badal-v-state-of-punjab-2007-1-scc-1\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Evidentiary_Authenticity_Is_a_Matter_of_Investigation_Parkash_Singh_Badal_v_State_of_Punjab_2007_1_SCC_1\"><\/span>Evidentiary Authenticity Is a Matter of Investigation: Parkash Singh Badal v. State of Punjab, (2007) 1 SCC 1<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Doubts surrounding the correctness, authenticity, or truth of allegations are matters to be examined during investigation, not valid grounds to refuse FIR registration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-uncertainty-does-not-justify-inaction-n2z-v-state-of-maharashtra-air-2022-sc-3957\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Uncertainty_Does_Not_Justify_Inaction_N2Z_v_State_of_Maharashtra_AIR_2022_SC_3957\"><\/span>Uncertainty Does Not Justify Inaction: N2Z v. State of Maharashtra, AIR 2022 SC 3957<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Police authorities cannot refuse registration merely because they harbour doubts regarding the allegations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Verifying allegations is the purpose of an investigation, which ultimately concludes in a police report under Section 173 CrPC (now Section 193 BNSS).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-scope-amp-statutory-boundaries-of-preliminary-inquiry\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Scope_Statutory_Boundaries_of_Preliminary_Inquiry\"><\/span>Scope &amp; Statutory Boundaries of Preliminary Inquiry<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-not-mandatory-in-every-case-state-of-telangana-v-managipet-2019-19-scc-87\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Not_Mandatory_in_Every_Case_State_of_Telangana_v_Managipet_2019_19_SCC_87\"><\/span>Not Mandatory in Every Case: State of Telangana v. Managipet, (2019) 19 SCC 87<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A preliminary inquiry is not a mandatory prerequisite in every criminal case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is permissible only in specific categories (e.g., matrimonial disputes, commercial offences, medical negligence, and corruption cases) and cannot be used to delay FIR registration arbitrarily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-strict-statutory-boundaries-union-of-india-v-ashok-kumar-sharma-2021-12-scc-674\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strict_Statutory_Boundaries_Union_of_India_v_Ashok_Kumar_Sharma_2021_12_SCC_674\"><\/span>Strict Statutory Boundaries: Union of India v. Ashok Kumar Sharma, (2021) 12 SCC 674<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Preliminary enquiries conducted under specialised statutory regimes must strictly adhere to the limits prescribed by law and cannot defeat the primary obligation of prompt registration and investigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-procedural-safeguards-under-new-criminal-laws-imran-pratapgarhi-v-state-of-gujarat-2025-insc-410\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Procedural_Safeguards_Under_New_Criminal_Laws_Imran_Pratapgarhi_v_State_of_Gujarat_2025_INSC_410\"><\/span>Procedural Safeguards Under New Criminal Laws: Imran Pratapgarhi v. State of Gujarat, 2025 INSC 410<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Examining Section 173(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), the Supreme Court held that the power to conduct a preliminary inquiry (restricted to offences punishable by 3 to 7 years, completed within 14 days) must be exercised strictly within statutory limits and cannot become a tool to deny citizens access to justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-remedies-against-police-inaction-amp-mandatory-escalation\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Remedies_Against_Police_Inaction_Mandatory_Escalation\"><\/span>Remedies Against Police Inaction &amp; Mandatory Escalation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-statutory-escalation-hierarchy-sakiri-vasu-v-state-of-uttar-pradesh-2008-2-scc-409\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Statutory_Escalation_Hierarchy_Sakiri_Vasu_v_State_of_Uttar_Pradesh_2008_2_SCC_409\"><\/span>Statutory Escalation Hierarchy: Sakiri Vasu v. State of Uttar Pradesh, (2008) 2 SCC 409<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Laid down the complete hierarchy of statutory remedies against police inaction: an aggrieved complainant must first approach superior police officers (SP\/DCP) before seeking directions for investigation from a judicial magistrate under Section 156(3) CrPC (now Section 175(3) BNSS).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-primary-recourse-to-criminal-procedure-sudhir-bhaskarrao-tambe-v-hemant-yashwant-dhage-2016-6-scc-277\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Primary_Recourse_to_Criminal_Procedure_Sudhir_Bhaskarrao_Tambe_v_Hemant_Yashwant_Dhage_2016_6_SCC_277\"><\/span>Primary Recourse to Criminal Procedure: Sudhir Bhaskarrao Tambe v. Hemant Yashwant Dhage, (2016) 6 SCC 277<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">High Courts should not entertain Article 226 writ petitions directly when effective alternative statutory remedies are available under procedural law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-mandatory-safeguards-amp-affidavits-priyanka-srivastava-v-state-of-uttar-pradesh-2015-6-scc-287\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mandatory_Safeguards_Affidavits_Priyanka_Srivastava_v_State_of_Uttar_Pradesh_2015_6_SCC_287\"><\/span>Mandatory Safeguards &amp; Affidavits: Priyanka Srivastava v. State of Uttar Pradesh, (2015) 6 SCC 287<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To curb abuse of process, applications before magistrates under Section 156(3) CrPC \/ Section 175(3) BNSS seeking directions for FIR registration must be supported by a prior application to the police and a sworn affidavit attesting to the truth of the allegations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-avoidance-of-direct-writ-remedies-aleque-padamsee-v-union-of-india-2007-6-scc-504\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Avoidance_of_Direct_Writ_Remedies_Aleque_Padamsee_v_Union_of_India_2007_6_SCC_504\"><\/span>Avoidance of Direct Writ Remedies: Aleque Padamsee v. Union of India, (2007) 6 SCC 504<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When police fail to register an FIR, the proper remedy lies before the magistrate under Section 156(3) CrPC \/ Section 175(3) BNSS, not via direct writ jurisdiction under Article 32 or Article 226 of the Constitution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-exhaustion-of-alternative-remedies-m-subramaniam-v-s-janaki-2020-16-scc-728\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Exhaustion_of_Alternative_Remedies_M_Subramaniam_v_S_Janaki_2020_16_SCC_728\"><\/span>Exhaustion of Alternative Remedies: M. Subramaniam v. S. Janaki, (2020) 16 SCC 728<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reiterated that statutory remedies provided under the code must be exhausted before invoking the High Court\u2019s extraordinary jurisdiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-compliance-with-escalation-hierarchy-omprakash-ambedkar-v-state-of-maharashtra-air-2025-sc-970\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Compliance_with_Escalation_Hierarchy_Omprakash_Ambedkar_v_State_of_Maharashtra_AIR_2025_SC_970\"><\/span>Compliance with Escalation Hierarchy: Omprakash Ambedkar v. State of Maharashtra, AIR 2025 SC 970<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Emphasised that adherence to statutory preconditions ensures police accountability while simultaneously weeding out frivolous or premature criminal complaints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-territorial-jurisdiction-amp-zero-fir-mandate\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Territorial_Jurisdiction_%E2%80%9CZero_FIR%E2%80%9D_Mandate\"><\/span>Territorial Jurisdiction &amp; \u201cZero FIR\u201d Mandate<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-jurisdiction-cannot-block-registration-rasiklal-dalpatram-thakkar-v-state-of-gujarat-2010-1-scc-1\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Jurisdiction_Cannot_Block_Registration_Rasiklal_Dalpatram_Thakkar_v_State_of_Gujarat_2010_1_SCC_1\"><\/span>Jurisdiction Cannot Block Registration: Rasiklal Dalpatram Thakkar v. State of Gujarat, (2010) 1 SCC 1<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lack of territorial jurisdiction does not absolve a police officer from registering a cognisable complaint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Territorial disputes are resolved subsequently by transferring the case file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The mandate for &#8220;Zero FIR&#8221; (registering irrespective of territorial jurisdiction) is now explicitly given statutory recognition under Section 173(1) of the BNSS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-mandatory-zero-fir-system-kirti-vashisht-v-state-nct-of-delhi-2019-scc-online-del-11713\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mandatory_Zero_FIR_System_Kirti_Vashisht_v_State_NCT_of_Delhi_2019_SCC_OnLine_Del_11713\"><\/span>Mandatory Zero FIR System: Kirti Vashisht v. State (NCT of Delhi), 2019 SCC OnLine Del 11713<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Affirmed the Zero FIR mandate: police must immediately record a complaint alleging a cognisable offence irrespective of where the crime occurred, assign it a serial number \u201c0\u201d, and transfer it to the police station having proper territorial jurisdiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-delayed-fir-evidentiary-value-amp-victim-rights\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Delayed_FIR_Evidentiary_Value_Victim_Rights\"><\/span>Delayed FIR, Evidentiary Value &amp; Victim Rights<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-importance-of-promptness-thulia-kali-v-state-of-tamil-nadu-1972-3-scc-393\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Importance_of_Promptness_Thulia_Kali_v_State_of_Tamil_Nadu_1972_3_SCC_393\"><\/span>Importance of Promptness: Thulia Kali v. State of Tamil Nadu, (1972) 3 SCC 393<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prompt lodging of an FIR ensures an authentic, unembellished, and immediate account of the crime, mitigating the risk of fabrication or post-facto embellishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-delay-not-automatically-fatal-state-of-himachal-pradesh-v-gian-chand-2001-6-scc-71\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Delay_Not_Automatically_Fatal_State_of_Himachal_Pradesh_v_Gian_Chand_2001_6_SCC_71\"><\/span>Delay Not Automatically Fatal: State of Himachal Pradesh v. Gian Chand, (2001) 6 SCC 71<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A delay in lodging an FIR is not fatal to the prosecution\u2019s case provided the delay is reasonably and satisfactorily explained by the circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-strict-duty-in-serious-offence-cases-mukesh-amp-anr-v-state-nct-of-delhi-2017-6-scc-1-nirbhaya-case\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strict_Duty_in_Serious_Offence_Cases_Mukesh_Anr_v_State_NCT_of_Delhi_2017_6_SCC_1_Nirbhaya_Case\"><\/span>Strict Duty in Serious Offence Cases: Mukesh &amp; Anr. v. State (NCT of Delhi), (2017) 6 SCC 1 (Nirbhaya Case)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Highlighted the critical need for immediate police action and FIR registration in cases involving sexual violence and severe offences against vulnerable groups, where delay severely compromises victim protection and fair trial rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-strict-police-accountability-amp-criminal-sanctions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strict_Police_Accountability_Criminal_Sanctions\"><\/span>Strict Police Accountability &amp; Criminal Sanctions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-legal-consequences-for-refusal-lalita-kumari-v-government-of-uttar-pradesh-2014-2-scc-1\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Legal_Consequences_for_Refusal_Lalita_Kumari_v_Government_of_Uttar_Pradesh_2014_2_SCC_1\"><\/span>Legal Consequences for Refusal: Lalita Kumari v. Government of Uttar Pradesh, (2014) 2 SCC 1<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Directly mandated departmental disciplinary action against delinquent officers who refuse or fail to register an FIR upon disclosure of a cognisable offence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-latest-case-laws\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Latest_Case_Laws\"><\/span>Latest Case Laws<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-pradeep-nirankarnath-sharma-v-state-of-gujarat-2025-insc-350\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pradeep_Nirankarnath_Sharma_v_State_of_Gujarat_2025_INSC_350\"><\/span>Pradeep Nirankarnath Sharma v. State of Gujarat, 2025 INSC 350<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reaffirmed that registration of an FIR is mandatory under Section 154 CrPC (now Section 173 BNSS) if the information discloses a cognisable offence, and no preliminary inquiry is permissible in such situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The scope of any preliminary inquiry is strictly limited to cases where the information does not prima facie disclose a cognisable offence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-vinod-kumar-pandey-amp-anr-v-seesh-ram-saini-amp-ors-2025-insc-1095\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Vinod_Kumar_Pandey_Anr_v_Seesh_Ram_Saini_Ors_2025_INSC_1095\"><\/span>Vinod Kumar Pandey &amp; Anr. v. Seesh Ram Saini &amp; Ors., 2025 INSC 1095<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Held that police are not required to examine the genuineness or credibility of information at the stage of FIR registration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a prima facie cognisable offence is disclosed, registration is mandatory; a preliminary enquiry report cannot oust the power of a constitutional court to direct FIR registration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-amit-kumar-v-union-of-india-2025-insc-384-criminal-appeal\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Amit_Kumar_v_Union_of_India_2025_INSC_384_Criminal_Appeal\"><\/span>Amit Kumar v. Union of India, 2025 INSC 384 (Criminal Appeal)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Clarified that Section 174 CrPC enquiries into apparent cause of death cannot substitute for FIR registration and investigation under Section 154 CrPC (now Section 173 BNSS) when cognisable offences (including under the SC\/ST (PoA) Act) are disclosed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No preliminary inquiry is permissible in such cases, and police must register FIRs promptly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-conclusion\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Collectively, these Supreme Court decisions establish an unambiguous legal framework that prioritises prompt FIR registration as a statutory obligation rather than a matter of police discretion, while balancing safeguards against frivolous complaints through structured escalation hierarchies and limited preliminary enquiries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The recent rulings of 2025 further fortify this architecture under the BNSS, ensuring that neither credibility assessments nor procedural technicalities can obstruct the initiation of criminal law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ultimately, these judgements not only enhance police accountability but also reaffirm that the rule of law demands equal and immediate access to justice for every citizen, irrespective of the nature or location of the alleged offence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-related-links yoast-seo-related-links\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/fir-and-preliminary-inquiry-under-bnss\/\">FIR and Preliminary Inquiry under BNSS<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/registration-of-fir-on-the-order-of-the-magistrate-or-judge-a-bnss-perspective\/\">Registration of FIR on the Order of the Magistrate or Judge: A BNSS Perspective<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/is-an-fir-a-mandatory-precondition-for-criminal-investigation-under-the-bnss-2023\/\">Is an FIR a mandatory precondition for criminal investigation under the BNSS, 2023?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/differences-between-investigation-and-inquiry\/\">Differences Between Investigation and Inquiry<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/when-can-police-refuse-to-register-an-fir-bnss-2023\/\">When Can Police Refuse to Register an FIR? &#8211; BNSS, 2023<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction The registration of a First Information Report (FIR) forms the foundational gateway to India\u2019s criminal justice system, triggering investigation and safeguarding citizens\u2019 right to access justice. Over decades, the Supreme Court has consistently reinforced that police have a mandatory, non-discretionary duty to record cognisable offences under Section 154 CrPC (now Section 173 BNSS), while<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"two_page_speed":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[4798],"class_list":["post-31168","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","category-criminal-law","tag-criminal-law"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.2 (Yoast SEO v28.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Landmark Supreme Court Judgements on FIR &amp; Police Accountability - Legal Service India - Articles<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"FIR registration under BNSS explained with Supreme Court judgments, Zero FIR rules, preliminary inquiry limits and remedies against police inaction.Meta Tag Code\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Landmark Supreme Court Judgements on FIR &amp; Police Accountability\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"FIR registration under BNSS explained with Supreme Court judgments, Zero FIR rules, preliminary inquiry limits and remedies against police inaction.Meta Tag Code\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Legal Service India - Articles\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legalservicesind\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-08-30T05:09:56+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-08-30T05:13:48+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Md. Imran Wahab\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@legalserviceind\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@legalserviceind\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Md. Imran Wahab\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Md. 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BNSS Rules, Zero FIR & Supreme Court Judgments\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/\",\"name\":\"Legal Service India - Law Articles\",\"description\":\"Legal Service India - Law Article Directory is the oldest in India since 2000, with thousands of article written by lawyers, law Students and Scholars on all branches of law\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Legal Service India\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/logo-circle-1.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/logo-circle-1.png\",\"width\":105,\"height\":95,\"caption\":\"Legal Service India\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/legalservicesind\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/legalserviceind\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/@LegalServiceIndia-lsi\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/23f17916b2032842e5ccd9cb51dfc156\",\"name\":\"Md. Imran Wahab\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/avatars\\\/49\\\/1777837060-bpfull.jpg\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/avatars\\\/49\\\/1777837060-bpfull.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/avatars\\\/49\\\/1777837060-bpfull.jpg\",\"caption\":\"Md. Imran Wahab\"},\"description\":\"Md. Imran Wahab, a distinguished 2004-batch Indian Police Service officer, has dedicated over 32 years to public service, holding various senior managerial positions within the West Bengal Police force. His career has spanned diverse roles across different districts, including Kolkata Police, serving as DCP, 5th Battalion, Kolkata Armed Police and DCP (Port Division), for approximately 4 years. He served in Barrackpore Police Commissionerate, holding the positions of DCP (Special Branch) and DCP (Traffic) for over 4 years. He was posted in the districts of Dakshin Dinajpur and Nadia as Additional SP. At the sub-divisional level, he has worked as SDPOs of Gangarampur, Raghunathpur and Kalna sub-divisions of West Bengal. His tenure as Special IG and subsequently as IGP of Correctional Services, West Bengal, for over 4 years, saw him deeply engaged in improving the prison and correctional system. He visited numerous correctional homes across West Bengal, interacting with inmates, both male and female, including children residing with their incarcerated mothers. His outreach extended to correctional homes in Assam, Bihar, and Tripura. This hands-on approach provided him with invaluable insights into the workings of prisons and the complexities of the prisoner psyche. Beyond his operational roles, Md. Imran Wahab possesses a strong academic background, holding B.Sc., M.A., L.L.B., and M.B.A. degrees. He has also completed Post Graduate Diplomas in Human Rights, Project Management, Corporate Management, Computer Application, Public Administration, Medical Law, Disaster Management, Fire Safety &amp; Hazards Management and Psychology. He has attended Indian government sponsored specialized training in police and management matters in SVPNPA, Hyderabad, IIM, Ahmedabad and Singapore. He is the author of the books 'Police Investigation &amp; Allied Matters' and 'Alternative Dispute Resolution: Evolving Trends and Innovations' demonstrating his commitment to knowledge sharing within the law enforcement field. As an observer for the Election Commission of India, he has gained firsthand experience in conducting assembly elections and bye-elections in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam, Bihar, and Tripura (twice). This exposure has given him a deep understanding of election management and the Election Commission's operations. He has also served as Chairman and as a member of various recruitment boards for the selection of police personnel in Kolkata Police and West Bengal Police. Md. Imran Wahab's interests extend beyond law enforcement to include law, politics, international affairs, prison management, and business management. He has authored over 1000 articles on these diverse topics, reflecting his intellectual curiosity and desire to contribute to public discourse. He is also a research scholar in law and has contributed articles to the Indian Police Journal, National Crime Record Bureau Journal, SVP National Police Academy Journal, and International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research etc. Currently, he serves as IGP, Provisioning, West Bengal.\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/author\\\/md-imranwahab\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Landmark Supreme Court Judgements on FIR &amp; Police Accountability - Legal Service India - Articles","description":"FIR registration under BNSS explained with Supreme Court judgments, Zero FIR rules, preliminary inquiry limits and remedies against police inaction.Meta Tag Code","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Landmark Supreme Court Judgements on FIR &amp; Police Accountability","og_description":"FIR registration under BNSS explained with Supreme Court judgments, Zero FIR rules, preliminary inquiry limits and remedies against police inaction.Meta Tag Code","og_url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/landmark-supreme-court-judgments-on-fir-police-accountability\/","og_site_name":"Legal Service India - Articles","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legalservicesind","article_published_time":"2026-08-30T05:09:56+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-08-30T05:13:48+00:00","author":"Md. 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He has also completed Post Graduate Diplomas in Human Rights, Project Management, Corporate Management, Computer Application, Public Administration, Medical Law, Disaster Management, Fire Safety &amp; Hazards Management and Psychology. He has attended Indian government sponsored specialized training in police and management matters in SVPNPA, Hyderabad, IIM, Ahmedabad and Singapore. He is the author of the books 'Police Investigation &amp; Allied Matters' and 'Alternative Dispute Resolution: Evolving Trends and Innovations' demonstrating his commitment to knowledge sharing within the law enforcement field. As an observer for the Election Commission of India, he has gained firsthand experience in conducting assembly elections and bye-elections in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam, Bihar, and Tripura (twice). This exposure has given him a deep understanding of election management and the Election Commission's operations. 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