An FIR relates to initial information about a cognizable offence. An NCR generally records a non-cognizable offence. A general written or online complaint may be the starting point for either process.

In a cognizable case, the police have the power under law to investigate without prior permission from a Magistrate. For a non-cognizable offence, an order from a Magistrate is generally required for an investigation. Sections 173 and 174 of the BNSS form the basis for these procedures. The legal category of a document is not determined merely because it bears a complaint number.

What should you do now?

1. Check the category shown on the acknowledgment received, such as FIR, NCR, diary entry or petition.
2. Ask for written information about the nature of the offence and the next steps.
3. If the matter has been described as non-cognizable, understand the procedure available before a Magistrate.

Which documents should you keep?

A copy of the report filed, the complaint number, the date and relevant documents.

Avoid this mistake

Do not treat an NCR as a final decision by a court or an FIR as proof that guilt has been established.

A hypothetical example

A complaint slip bears a reference number but no FIR number. It may be wrong to treat that number as an FIR and proceed on that basis. Clarify the category of the report filed and the action that follows from it.

Does registration of an FIR prove that a person is guilty of an offence?

No. Guilt is determined only after investigation and judicial proceedings.

Legal basis and useful source

• Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 — Sections 35–58, 173–175, 187, 478–483, 528, 531

This is general legal information. Advice may differ depending on your facts, the applicable law and state rules.