Criminal law · For citizens
Police won't write your FIR? Go around them.
In short
For a cognizable offence the law says the information shall be written down. If the station refuses, the Sessions Judge, as ex-officio Justice of the Peace, can direct the police.
By the FAI Legal editorial desk · 10 October 2026 · 7 slides · 2 min read
A cognizable offence? It must be written.
Information about a cognizable offence given to the officer in charge of a police station shall be reduced to writing, read back to you and signed.
“Every information relating to the commission of a cognizable offence if given orally to an officer in charge of a police-station, shall be reduced to writing by him”
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 · Section 154, Information in cognizable cases
Refused? Go to the Sessions Judge.
Sessions Judges are ex-officio Justices of the Peace (Section 25). They can direct the police on a complaint of non-registration.
- Police refuse the FIRKeep a copy of your written complaint.
- Petition the ex-officio Justice of the PeaceSection 22-A(6), Code of Criminal Procedure.
- Directions to the policeIssued on your complaint.
Not only FIRs. Three complaints.
Section 22-A(6) lets you complain about:
- Non-registration of a criminal case
- Transfer of investigationFrom one police officer to another.
- Neglect, failure or excessBy a police authority in its duties.
Women complainants: extra protection.
For offences under PPC sections 336B, 354, 354A, 376 and 509, Section 154 adds safeguards.
- Recorded with a female officer or family member presentOr another person she consents to.
- If she is distressedRecorded at her home or a place she chooses.
Check your situation. Free.
Ask FAI in your own words. It answers with the exact section and the judgments behind it.
- The police station refused to register my FIR for theft. What do I do now?
- How do I file a 22-A petition?
Example questions
What this does not mean
- The duty to write down information under s.154 applies to a cognizable offence reported to the officer in charge of a police station.
- The Justice of the Peace issues directions to the police on your complaint. The carousel does not say he registers the FIR himself.
- The extra safeguards for women apply to offences under PPC sections 336B, 354, 354A, 376 and 509.
Questions people ask
What to do if the police refuse to register an FIR in Pakistan?
Keep a copy of your written complaint and petition the Sessions Judge as ex-officio Justice of the Peace under CrPC s.22-A(6). He can direct the police on your complaint.
What is 22-A CrPC?
Section 22-A(6) lets the ex-officio Justice of the Peace hear complaints about non-registration of a criminal case, transfer of investigation, and neglect, failure or excess by a police authority.
Are the police bound to register an FIR?
For a cognizable offence, information given to the officer in charge of a police station shall be reduced to writing, read back and signed (CrPC s.154).
Who is the ex-officio Justice of the Peace?
Sessions Judges are ex-officio Justices of the Peace (CrPC s.25).
How is an FIR recorded for a woman complainant?
For offences under PPC sections 336B, 354, 354A, 376 and 509, it is recorded with a female officer or family member present, or another person she consents to. If she is distressed, it can be recorded at her home or a place she chooses.
Sources
- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 · Section 154
Information in cognizable cases Pakistan Code
Educational legal information, not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts. Speak to a qualified lawyer about your situation. Review status: Pending advocate review. How we check.
