Cyber Law Academy
Part 14.7

FIR, NC, and Warrants

"FIR, NC आणि वॉरंट - Maharashtra Police Formats"

First Information Report (FIR), Non-Cognizable (NC) complaints, search warrants, arrest warrants - cyber crime specific drafting and Maharashtra Police procedures.

7.1

First Information Report (FIR)

FIR - Basic Framework (BNSS Section 173)
AspectDetails
DefinitionFirst information of cognizable offence to police
Old LawCrPC Section 154
New LawBNSS Section 173
FormPolice Station prescribed format
LanguageMarathi (Maharashtra); Hindi/English acceptable
Copy to InformantFree of cost, immediately
Zero FIRCan be filed at any PS; transferred to jurisdictional PS
Cyber Crime FIR - Essential Elements

1. Complainant Details:

- Name, address, contact (mobile, email)

- Occupation and relationship to victim

2. Incident Description:

- Date, time, and place of occurrence

- Date of discovery (if different)

- Mode of cyber attack/fraud

3. Technical Details:

- Device used (mobile/computer/laptop)

- Platform (WhatsApp, Facebook, UPI app, website)

- URLs, usernames, phone numbers involved

- Transaction IDs, reference numbers

4. Loss Particulars:

- Financial loss amount with bank details

- Non-financial harm description

5. Evidence Attached:

- Screenshots, printouts

- Bank statements

- Communication records

7.2

Cyber Crime FIR Drafting

FIR Format - Online Financial Fraud

Subject: Complaint regarding Online Banking Fraud

Sample Content:

"मी, [नाव], वय [वय] वर्षे, व्यवसाय [व्यवसाय], राहणार [पत्ता], यांची तक्रार अशी की:

दिनांक [तारीख] रोजी मला [मोबाइल नंबर] या क्रमांकावरून फोन आला. कॉलर ने स्वतःला [बँक नाव] बँकेचा अधिकारी म्हणून ओळख करून दिली. त्याने सांगितले की माझे KYC अपडेट करणे आवश्यक आहे अन्यथा खाते बंद होईल.

त्याने मला एक लिंक पाठवली आणि त्यावर माहिती भरण्यास सांगितले. मी विश्वास ठेवून माझा डेबिट कार्ड नंबर, CVV आणि OTP दिला. त्यानंतर माझ्या खात्यातून रु. [रक्कम]/- वजा झाले.

Transaction Details: [तपशील]

म्हणून अज्ञात व्यक्तीविरुद्ध IT Act कलम 66C, 66D आणि BNS कलम 318, 319 अंतर्गत कारवाई व्हावी."

IT Act Sections for FIR
SectionOffenceUse When
66Computer Related OffencesHacking, unauthorized access
66CIdentity TheftUsing another's credentials
66DCheating by PersonationImpersonation for fraud
66EPrivacy ViolationCapturing/publishing private images
67Obscene MaterialPublishing obscene content
67ASexually Explicit MaterialPublishing explicit content
67BChild PornographyCSAM related
66FCyber TerrorismTerror-related cyber attacks
7.3

Non-Cognizable (NC) Complaints

NC Complaint Framework
AspectFIR (Cognizable)NC (Non-Cognizable)
Police ActionCan investigate without court orderNeed Magistrate's order to investigate
ArrestCan arrest without warrantCannot arrest without warrant
RegistrationMandatory if cognizable offence disclosedRecorded in NC Register
IT ActMost offences cognizableFew minor violations
Next StepInvestigation beginsComplaint to Magistrate (BNSS 175)
Private Complaint to Magistrate

When NC Filed:

1. Police refuse FIR for cognizable offence - approach Magistrate

2. Genuinely NC offence - file private complaint

Procedure:

- File complaint before JMFC/Metropolitan Magistrate

- Magistrate examines complainant on oath

- If prima facie case, issues process to accused

Documents Needed:

1. Written complaint with verification

2. List of witnesses

3. List of documents

4. Evidence (screenshots, records)

5. ID proof of complainant

7.4

Search and Seizure Warrants

Search Warrant (BNSS Section 94)
AspectDetails
Issuing AuthorityMagistrate (JMFC or above)
Old LawCrPC Section 93
GroundsReasonable belief that evidence exists at location
ScopeSearch for documents, things connected with offence
IT Act PowerSection 80 - Police officer powers (Inspector+)
ExecutionDuring daytime unless urgent
PanchnamaMandatory; two independent witnesses
Cyber Crime Search Specifics

Items to Seize:

1. Computer systems, laptops, servers

2. Mobile phones, tablets

3. Storage devices (HDD, SSD, USB, SD cards)

4. Routers, modems, networking equipment

5. Documents (printouts, handwritten notes)

6. SIM cards, dongles

Seizure Best Practices:

- Hash values before and after imaging

- Proper chain of custody documentation

- Faraday bags for mobile devices

- Write-blockers for storage devices

- Detailed panchnama with photographs

IT Act Section 80:

- Inspector and above can search/arrest without warrant in public place

- Provisions of CrPC/BNSS apply to seizure

7.5

Arrest Warrants

Arrest Warrant (BNSS Section 73)
AspectDetails
TypesBailable / Non-bailable
Issuing AuthorityMagistrate or Court
When IssuedAccused absconds; fails to appear
ValidityUntil executed or cancelled
Inter-stateEndorsement needed for execution in other state
NBWNon-Bailable Warrant - accused detained until produced
Arrest Without Warrant - IT Act

Section 80 IT Act:

Police officer (not below Inspector) can arrest without warrant if:

- Has reasonable suspicion of offence under IT Act

- Person found in public place

Cognizable Offences under IT Act:

- Section 66: Computer related offences

- Section 66C: Identity theft

- Section 66D: Cheating by personation

- Section 66E: Privacy violation

- Section 66F: Cyber terrorism

- Section 67, 67A, 67B: Obscene content

Post-Arrest Procedure:

- Inform rights (Article 22)

- Medical examination

- Production before Magistrate within 24 hours

- Apply for bail if bailable offence

7.6

Maharashtra Specific Procedures

Maharashtra Police FIR Portal

Online FIR:

- citizen.mahapolice.gov.in

- E-FIR for certain offences

- Status tracking available

Maharashtra Cyber Portal:

- Cyber crime specific complaints

- Integration with NCRP (cybercrime.gov.in)

Important Contacts:

- Maharashtra Cyber: 022-22630829

- Police Control Room: 100

- Women Helpline: 181

- Cyber Helpline: 1930

FIR Refusal - Remedies

If Police Refuse to Register FIR:

1. Written application to SP/DCP

2. Complaint to Superintendent of Police (BNSS 173(4))

3. Private complaint to Magistrate (BNSS 175)

4. Writ petition to High Court (Article 226)

5. PIL for systemic issues

Lalita Kumari Guidelines:

- FIR mandatory if cognizable offence disclosed

- Preliminary inquiry only in matrimonial/commercial disputes

- 7 days limit for preliminary inquiry

- Reasons to be recorded if FIR not registered

Documentation:

- Keep copy of complaint

- Get acknowledgment with date/time

- Note name/designation of officer

Key Points - Part 14.7