Can I file RTI if I don’t have a complaint number?

Yes, describe the date, place, and subject of your complaint. Attach proof of submission.

What if my complaint was online or through WhatsApp?

You can still file RTI — include screenshots or submission confirmation.

What if they deny registration citing no cognizable offense?

RTI can help reveal the legal reasoning and who made the decision. This strengthens your case for escalation.

Can I get officer names through RTI?

Yes — the RTI Act allows you to request officer identities, remarks, and file movement details.

File RTI for Police Complaint Update – When FIR Isn't Registered or No Action Taken

9th of Jul. 2025
By - K.N.S.K. Vara Prasad

Topics

Quick Answer: If your FIR is delayed, not registered, or police are not taking action in India, file an RTI addressed to the CPIO/SHO of the concerned police station under the RTI Act, 2005. Ask for the investigation status, name of investigating officer, and actions taken. Police must respond within 30 days. An RTI creates official accountability and often triggers immediate action. File FIR status RTI now →

You filed a police complaint — but days or even weeks later, there’s no sign of an FIR or action taken. What can you do? One powerful tool is the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, which lets you:

Use RTI to:

Ask whether your complaint was converted to an FIR
Know what action (if any) was taken
Track the file movement, officer names, and timeline
Request internal notes or delay reasons

When to Use RTI for Police Complaint

File RTI if:

Your written complaint or online grievance has not been acknowledged
FIR has not been registered despite serious allegations
You suspect internal delays or intentional ignorance
Police refuse to give a complaint copy or update

Sample RTI Application Format

To: Public Information Officer (PIO)
[Police Station / Circle Office / Commissionerate]
[Full Address of the Police Department]
Subject: RTI Application for Status of Police Complaint & FIR Action

I submitted a police complaint on [DD/MM/YYYY] at [Police Station Name] regarding [brief description of the matter]. I have not received any FIR number or follow-up.

Under RTI Act, 2005, kindly provide:

Whether an FIR was registered based on my complaint
If not, reasons and officer notes for the decision
Names and designations of officials who reviewed the complaint
File movement and action taken details
Copy of internal note file or closure remarks

I enclose ₹10 as RTI fee.
Attach:

Copy of your complaint (offline or online)
Acknowledgement (if any)
ID proof

How to File RTI for Police Inaction

Option 1: Use FileMyRTI.com

Go to FileMyRTI.com
Choose “Police Complaint RTI” service
Upload your complaint copy and ID proof
We’ll prepare, print, send & track your RTI

Option 2: Manual RTI Filing

Send RTI to the PIO of concerned police station or DCP office
Attach ₹10 fee (IPO/DD/online payment)
Submit via Registered Post or in person

RTI Response Time

You must receive a reply within 30 days. If not, file a First Appeal with higher police authorities.

Related RTI Guides

Need expert help? File RTI for Police Complaint → Starting at ₹399

Legal basis & binding precedent for this topic

Statute

Police stations, Commissionerates, and State Police Departments are "public authorities" under Section 2(h) of the RTI Act 2005. FIR copies, investigation status, and officer details are "information" under Section 2(f).

Case law

The Delhi High Court in Bhagat Singh vs. CIC (W.P.(C) 3114/2007) and multiple State Information Commissions have held that FIRs are public documents — a complainant has an unconditional right to a copy. Section 8(1)(h) (prejudice to investigation) applies only to specific operational details that would genuinely compromise a case, not to general FIR registration, status, or officer identity.

How we use this

We draft FIR-status RTIs to focus on procedural matters (registration date, IO name, case-diary number, case stage) that fall unambiguously outside Section 8(1)(h). Where the Station House Officer refuses, the First Appeal we file invokes the Bhagat Singh precedent directly.

Section references are to the Right to Information Act, 2005. Case citations refer to reported judgments of the Supreme Court of India, High Courts, and the Central / State Information Commissions. This article is a general statement of law — for facts-specific advice on your matter, consult a qualified advocate.

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Reviewed by Adv. K.N.S.K. Vara Prasad

Senior RTI Expert · Andhra Pradesh Specialist

Bar Council of Telangana, TS/1446/2017 · 15,000+ RTIs drafted

Legal review ensures the interpretation of RTI Act provisions, cited rulings, and procedural steps in this article reflect current law and standard practice before Central and State Information Commissions. Full profile of Adv. K.N.S.K. Vara Prasad →