Police & Criminal
FIR basics, bail information and what the law says — information and lawyer referral only.
FIRs, bail, and 'what does the law actually say' questions belong here. Because criminal matters affect liberty, WakilBhai gives information and connects you to an advocate — we do not draft criminal filings. Filing an FIR is free at any police station, and a zero-FIR can be lodged anywhere. Anticipatory and regular bail are court decisions whose timelines run from days to weeks depending on the offence and court. The guides below explain the process in plain language and cite both the old IPC and new BNS sections. For real cases, talk to a lawyer free on WhatsApp.
मार्गदर्शक
Anticipatory Bail Explained — When It Applies, Process and Typical Costs
Anticipatory bail is a court order directing that if you are arrested in a non-bailable case, you are released on bail immediately — Section 438 CrPC, now Section 482 BNSS. You apply to the Sessions Court or High Court before arrest, through an advocate; typical advocate fees run ₹10,000–₹50,000+ in Sessions Courts. This page explains the process; it is not legal advice.
How to Get an FIR Copy Online — State Portals, Your Rights and Certified Copies
The informant is entitled to a free FIR copy immediately on registration, and accused persons can obtain it too — the Supreme Court (Youth Bar Association, 2016) directs police to upload FIRs online within 24 hours (72 in remote areas), except in sensitive categories. Every state police website has an FIR view/download section; certified copies come from the station or court for a nominal fee.
How to File an FIR — Online, at the Station, and the Zero FIR Rule
To file an FIR, go to any police station and narrate the offence — for cognizable offences the police must register it free of cost and give you a copy immediately. Under the new BNSS you can also report electronically (e-FIR) and any station must take a Zero FIR even if the crime happened elsewhere. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Police Not Filing Your FIR? SP Complaint and the Magistrate Route, Step by Step
If a police station refuses to register your FIR for a cognizable offence, the law gives you a ladder: send the complaint in writing to the Superintendent of Police, and if there is still no FIR within about 15 days, apply to the Judicial Magistrate under Section 156(3) CrPC (now Section 175(3) BNSS) to order registration. Refusal itself is punishable.
Quashing an FIR — When High Courts End Criminal Cases, Settlements and Costs
A High Court can quash an FIR or criminal proceeding under Section 482 CrPC (now Section 528 BNSS) when the allegations, even taken at face value, disclose no offence — or when the parties have genuinely settled a private dispute (matrimonial, commercial, cheque cases). It is a discretionary, argued remedy: petitions cost ₹30,000–1,50,000+ in advocate fees and succeed on precise drafting, not volume.
Received a Court Summons? Do Not Ignore It — First Steps and What Happens Next
A court summons is an order to appear — ignoring it escalates to a bailable warrant, then a non-bailable warrant, and can add a separate offence. Read the case number and date, verify it is genuine on the eCourts portal, and consult an advocate before the appearance date. Appearing (personally or through counsel where permitted) on day one keeps every option open.
Regular Bail After Arrest — Process, Timelines and What Families Should Do First
After an arrest, bail is the immediate battle: for bailable offences it is a right — police/court must release on bond; for non-bailable offences, a bail application goes to the Magistrate, then the Sessions Court and High Court. The arrested person must be produced before a Magistrate within 24 hours, and if the chargesheet isn't filed in 60/90 days, default bail becomes an absolute right. Engage a criminal advocate the same day.
Traffic Challan: Check, Pay or Contest Online — and the Lok Adalat Option
Check any traffic challan free on echallan.parivahan.gov.in with your vehicle number. You can pay online in minutes, contest it before the Virtual Court or the traffic court named on the challan, or wait for a National Lok Adalat — held roughly every quarter — where pending challans are routinely settled at reduced amounts. Unpaid challans can block your vehicle's transfer and fitness records.