{"id":31179,"date":"2026-08-30T10:54:03","date_gmt":"2026-08-30T10:54:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=31179"},"modified":"2026-08-30T11:06:31","modified_gmt":"2026-08-30T11:06:31","slug":"empowering-the-citizen-rights-of-a-complainant-under-the-bnss-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/empowering-the-citizen-rights-of-a-complainant-under-the-bnss-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"Empowering the Citizen: Rights of a Complainant Under the BNSS, 2023"},"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 First Information Report (FIR) is the foundational catalyst of the Indian criminal justice system, setting the law in motion for cognisable offences. On 1 July 2024, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC). The BNSS modernises procedural law under Section 173, placing a strong emphasis on digital accessibility, procedural accountability, and victim empowerment.<\/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\/empowering-the-citizen-rights-of-a-complainant-under-the-bnss-2023\/#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\/empowering-the-citizen-rights-of-a-complainant-under-the-bnss-2023\/#Key_Statutory_Rights_of_a_Complainant\" >Key Statutory Rights of a Complainant<\/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\/empowering-the-citizen-rights-of-a-complainant-under-the-bnss-2023\/#21_Mandatory_Registration_Digital_Modes\" >2.1. Mandatory Registration &amp; Digital Modes<\/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\/empowering-the-citizen-rights-of-a-complainant-under-the-bnss-2023\/#22_Safeguards_for_Vulnerable_Complainants\" >2.2. Safeguards for Vulnerable Complainants<\/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\/empowering-the-citizen-rights-of-a-complainant-under-the-bnss-2023\/#23_Modern_Investigation_Safeguards\" >2.3. Modern Investigation Safeguards<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/empowering-the-citizen-rights-of-a-complainant-under-the-bnss-2023\/#Escalation_Framework_Against_Refusal_to_Register_an_FIR\" >Escalation Framework Against Refusal to Register an FIR<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/empowering-the-citizen-rights-of-a-complainant-under-the-bnss-2023\/#4_Post-Investigation_Trial_Rights\" >4. Post-Investigation &amp; Trial Rights<\/a><\/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\/empowering-the-citizen-rights-of-a-complainant-under-the-bnss-2023\/#Rights_Balanced_with_Responsibilities\" >Rights Balanced with Responsibilities<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/empowering-the-citizen-rights-of-a-complainant-under-the-bnss-2023\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Importantly, an &#8220;informant&#8221; or &#8220;complainant&#8221; need not be the direct victim. Any person with knowledge of a cognisable offence possesses the locus standi to lodge an FIR, ensuring unhindered access to justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-key-statutory-rights-of-a-complainant\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Statutory_Rights_of_a_Complainant\"><\/span>Key Statutory Rights of a Complainant<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-2-1-mandatory-registration-amp-digital-modes\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"21_Mandatory_Registration_Digital_Modes\"><\/span>2.1. Mandatory Registration &amp; Digital Modes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Multiple Filing Modes:<\/strong> Information can be provided orally, in writing, or via electronic communication (e-FIR). Electronic filings must be signed within three days to formalise the FIR.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Zero FIR:<\/strong> Recognised explicitly under Section 173(1) BNSS. An FIR can be registered at any police station regardless of territorial jurisdiction and subsequently transferred to the appropriate station.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Language Accessibility:<\/strong> Statements must be recorded in a language understood by the informant whenever feasible.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Free Copy Mandate:<\/strong> Under Section 173(2) BNSS, a copy of the registered FIR must be provided forthwith and free of cost to the informant or victim. In addition, state police portals must publish FIRs online within designated timelines.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-2-2-safeguards-for-vulnerable-complainants\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"22_Safeguards_for_Vulnerable_Complainants\"><\/span>2.2. Safeguards for Vulnerable Complainants<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Women Police Officers:<\/strong> Offences against women under specified sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) must be recorded by a woman police officer or any female officer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Special Accommodations:<\/strong> For informants with physical or mental disabilities, statement recording must occur at their preferred location, in the presence of an interpreter, special educator, or legal representative. Audio-video recording of this interaction is mandatory.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-2-3-modern-investigation-safeguards\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"23_Modern_Investigation_Safeguards\"><\/span>2.3. Modern Investigation Safeguards<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mandatory Audio-Video Recording:<\/strong> Under Section 105 BNSS, search, seizure, and the preparation of the seizure list (panchnama) must be recorded via mobile device or audio-video media to prevent evidence tampering.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Progress Tracking (90-Day Mandate):<\/strong> Section 193 BNSS grants victims and informants the right to be updated on the investigation&#8217;s progress within 90 days, including via electronic channels (SMS, email, and portal updates).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Preliminary Enquiry Limits:<\/strong> For offences punishable by 3 to 7 years imprisonment, Section 173(3) BNSS allows a preliminary enquiry (max 14 days) under Dy.SP permission to establish if a prima facie case exists before FIR registration. Offences punishable by 7+ years require immediate FIR registration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-escalation-framework-against-refusal-to-register-an-fir\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Escalation_Framework_Against_Refusal_to_Register_an_FIR\"><\/span>Escalation Framework Against Refusal to Register an FIR<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a Station House Officer (SHO) refuses to register an FIR, the BNSS provides a structured two-tiered escalation process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Stage<\/th><th>Authority<\/th><th>Mechanism &amp; Statutory Provision<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>First Remedy<\/strong><\/td><td>Superintendent of Police (SP) \/ DCP<\/td><td>Send written details via post or electronic submission under Section 173(4) BNSS. If satisfied that a cognisable offence is disclosed, the SP\/DCP shall personally investigate or direct a subordinate officer to do so.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Judicial Remedy<\/strong><\/td><td>Judicial Magistrate<\/td><td>If the SP\/DCP fails to take action, file an application supported by an affidavit before the magistrate under Section 175(3) BNSS. The magistrate may order an investigation after conducting a preliminary inquiry.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-4-post-investigation-amp-trial-rights\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Post-Investigation_Trial_Rights\"><\/span>4. Post-Investigation &amp; Trial Rights<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Free Copies of Police Report &amp; Documents (Section 230 BNSS):<\/strong> Once the police submit their final report\u2014whether a charge sheet or closure report\u2014the magistrate is legally bound to provide, free of cost, copies of the report, the FIR registered under Section 173, witness statements recorded under Section 180(3), confessions and statements under Section 183, and all supporting documents forwarded under Section 193(6). These must be furnished to the accused and to the victim (if represented by an advocate) within 14 days of the accused\u2019s first appearance in court, ensuring transparency, fairness, and equal access to case records.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Right to Protest Petition:<\/strong> If police file a closure report, the complainant must be formally notified and has the right to file a Protest Petition before the Magistrate to challenge the closure and demand further investigation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Participation via Private Counsel:<\/strong> Victims can engage a private advocate to assist the Public Prosecutor during proceedings (subject to court permission).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Right to be Heard in Bail Proceedings:<\/strong> In severe BNS offences (e.g., life imprisonment, death penalty, sexual violence), the victim or their legal representative has a right to be notified and heard during bail applications.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Victim Compensation &amp; Medical Care:<\/strong> Under Section 396 BNSS, victims can apply to the District or State Legal Services Authority for compensation. Courts can direct immediate interim financial and medical relief for injured victims.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Witness Protection:<\/strong> Section 398 BNSS codifies a mandatory statutory framework for state governments to enforce witness protection schemes, protecting complainants and witnesses from intimidation or retaliation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-rights-balanced-with-responsibilities\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rights_Balanced_with_Responsibilities\"><\/span>Rights Balanced with Responsibilities<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The BNSS pairs citizen empowerment with legal accountability. Suppressing facts, filing false accusations, or lodging malicious FIRs is punishable under Section 248 and related provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Courts retain full authority to initiate proceedings against complainants who abuse judicial machinery.<\/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\">The BNSS, 2023, empowers complainants by codifying mandatory FIR registration, digital accessibility, Zero FIR recognition, and safeguards for vulnerable groups, while simultaneously imposing strict accountability on police officers through statutory escalation and penal liability under the BNS, 2023. By pairing citizen rights with procedural responsibilities, the framework ensures that access to justice is not obstructed by administrative reluctance or jurisdictional barriers. With provisions for victim participation, compensation, and witness protection, the BNSS modernises criminal procedure into a system that is more transparent, responsive, and fair, thereby reinforcing the complainant\u2019s role as a central stakeholder in the criminal justice process.<\/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\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases-legal-effect-supreme-court-judgments-rights-of-legal-heirs\/\">Death of Accused or Complainant in Section 138 NI Act Cases: Legal Effect, Supreme Court Judgements &amp; Rights of Legal Heirs<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/death-of-accused-or-complainant-in-section-138-ni-act-cases\/\">Death of Accused or Complainant in Section 138 NI Act Cases: Complete Supreme Court Guide on Legal Consequences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/when-police-refuse-to-act-refusal-of-complaint-fir-and-its-punitive-consequences\/\">When Police Refuse to Act: Refusal of Complaint\/FIR and Its Punitive Consequences<\/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\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/how-to-file-fir-in-india-police-refuse-complaint-remedies\/\">How to File an FIR in a Police Station in India (2026 Guide) | Remedies If Police Refuse Complaint<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction The First Information Report (FIR) is the foundational catalyst of the Indian criminal justice system, setting the law in motion for cognisable offences. On 1 July 2024, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC). The BNSS modernises procedural law under Section 173, placing a strong emphasis<\/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-31179","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>Empowering the Citizen: Rights of a Complainant Under the BNSS, 2023 - Legal Service India - Articles<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Know FIR rights under BNSS 2023, including Zero FIR, digital filing, investigation updates, victim rights and remedies against police refusal.\" \/>\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\/empowering-the-citizen-rights-of-a-complainant-under-the-bnss-2023\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Empowering the Citizen: Rights of a Complainant Under the BNSS, 2023\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Know FIR rights under BNSS 2023, including Zero FIR, digital filing, investigation updates, victim rights and remedies against police refusal.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/empowering-the-citizen-rights-of-a-complainant-under-the-bnss-2023\/\" \/>\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=\"2026-08-30T10:54:03+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-08-30T11:06:31+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=\"5 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\\\/empowering-the-citizen-rights-of-a-complainant-under-the-bnss-2023\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/empowering-the-citizen-rights-of-a-complainant-under-the-bnss-2023\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Md. 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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":"Empowering the Citizen: Rights of a Complainant Under the BNSS, 2023 - Legal Service India - Articles","description":"Know FIR rights under BNSS 2023, including Zero FIR, digital filing, investigation updates, victim rights and remedies against police refusal.","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\/empowering-the-citizen-rights-of-a-complainant-under-the-bnss-2023\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Empowering the Citizen: Rights of a Complainant Under the BNSS, 2023","og_description":"Know FIR rights under BNSS 2023, including Zero FIR, digital filing, investigation updates, victim rights and remedies against police refusal.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/empowering-the-citizen-rights-of-a-complainant-under-the-bnss-2023\/","og_site_name":"Legal Service India - Articles","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legalservicesind","article_published_time":"2026-08-30T10:54:03+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-08-30T11:06:31+00:00","author":"Md. 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