Maharashtra Police e-Complaint and FIR Online Services
Maharashtra Police provides an online e-Complaint facility through its Citizen Portal. Citizens can submit complaints electronically, after which the complaint is referred to the concerned police station for necessary action.
Following the implementation of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) from 1 July 2024, electronic information relating to cognizable offences is recognised under Section 173. Maharashtra Police has implemented an e-Complaint functionality for this purpose.
Official Maharashtra Police Citizen Portal
Maharashtra Police Citizen PortalThe portal provides citizen services such as e-Complaint registration, e-Complaint status search, viewing registered FIRs, lost-mobile reporting, missing-person information, arrested-person information, feedback and verification-related services.
Can You Register an FIR Online in Maharashtra?
Electronic reporting of information concerning a cognizable offence is recognised under Section 173 of the BNSS. Maharashtra Police's e-Complaint module enables such information to be submitted electronically.
Maharashtra Police guidance explains that electronically submitted information must be signed by the person giving it within the prescribed period. The FIR is registered by the police when the statutory requirements are fulfilled.
Step-by-Step Procedure to File an e-Complaint
- Visit the Maharashtra Police Citizen Portal.
Open the official Citizen Portal. The portal operates as part of the CCTNS citizen-services system. - Select "e-Complaint".
The position or appearance of the service may change, so follow the option shown on the current official website. - Log in or create a citizen account.
If registration is required, use the citizen registration option and provide the information requested by the live portal. - Open the e-Complaint form.
After login, select the e-Complaint service. The submitted complaint is referred to the concerned police station. - Enter your personal details.
Provide accurate details such as name, contact information, date of birth and address as required by the form. - Select the district and police station.
Choose the appropriate jurisdiction and provide the place of occurrence as accurately as possible. - Describe the incident clearly.
State the date, approximate time, place, sequence of events, persons involved, witnesses, property details and other relevant facts. Write chronologically and avoid false or exaggerated allegations. - Upload supporting documents where permitted.
Depending on the case, supporting material may include photographs, bills, bank records, screenshots, agreements, identity documents, medical records, vehicle papers or other evidence. - Review and submit.
Check all details before submission. Save the complaint/reference number and retain a copy or screenshot of the acknowledgement.
Signature requirement for electronic information
Where information relating to a cognizable offence is given electronically, Section 173 BNSS requires it to be taken on record after being signed by the person giving it within three days. Follow any instructions issued by Maharashtra Police for signature, authentication or appearance.
Is Every Online Complaint an FIR?
No. "Online complaint", "e-Complaint" and "FIR" should not be used interchangeably. An e-Complaint is the method of electronically communicating information. An FIR is registered by the police when the information concerns a cognizable offence and the applicable legal requirements are satisfied.
How to Check e-Complaint Status
The Maharashtra Police Citizen Portal provides a facility to search the status of an e-Complaint.
- Visit the Citizen Portal.
- Log in to your citizen account.
- Select the applicable e-Complaint status/search option.
- Keep your complaint or reference number available.
How to View a Registered FIR Online
Maharashtra Police provides a Published FIR search facility through the Citizen Portal.
Maharashtra Police – Published FIR SearchThe search page may ask for details such as district, police station, year, FIR number and date/time. Where available for public viewing, the system can display FIR-related information including complainant/informant details, accused details, property details and FIR contents.
Not every FIR or every part of an FIR will necessarily be available publicly. Availability depends on the police system and applicable restrictions.
How to search for a published FIR
- Open the Published FIR Search page.
- Select the relevant district, police station and year.
- Enter the FIR number or other information requested.
- Submit the search to view available details.
Lost Mobile Phone Reporting
Maharashtra Police provides a dedicated Mobile Missing Form through its Citizen Portal.
Maharashtra Police – Mobile Missing ReportThe form may request the complainant's name, date of birth, gender, email, ID proof, alternate mobile number, address, date and place of occurrence, make, model, IMEI number, mobile number, service provider and brief facts.
For a stolen mobile phone, an appropriate police complaint or FIR may also be necessary depending on the circumstances.
Information and Documents to Keep Ready
| Item | Useful information |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar | Identifying details requested by police. Never disclose Aadhaar OTPs or biometric authentication information. |
| PAN card | PAN number and relevant details where the card is lost or stolen. |
| Driving licence | Licence number, issuing authority/place and supporting information. |
| Passport | Passport number, place of issue and issue details where requested. |
| Bank account | Bank name, account number, transaction date, amount and UTR/reference details. Never provide PIN, CVV, password or OTP. |
| Debit/Credit card | Identifying details and unauthorised transaction information where applicable. Never disclose PIN, CVV or OTP. |
| Mobile phone | Mobile number, IMEI, make, model, colour and date/place of loss or theft. |
| Laptop/Tablet/Camera | Manufacturer, model, serial number, IMEI where applicable, colour and purchase details. |
| Vehicle | Registration, chassis and engine numbers, make/model, colour, insurance and RC details. |
What Happens After an Online Complaint?
The Citizen Portal states that an online complaint is referred to the concerned police station. The complainant may be called for further clarification, a statement, additional documents or completion of the required signature/authentication process.
If you do not receive a response
- Keep the complaint/reference number.
- Check the online status.
- Contact the concerned police station.
- Where appropriate, contact the relevant senior police authority.
- Preserve copies of correspondence and supporting documents.
- Where the facts disclose a cognizable offence, consider the remedies available under the BNSS.
Legal Position Under Section 173 BNSS
Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 governs information relating to cognizable offences. Maharashtra Police has issued guidance explaining that such information may be given electronically and has implemented the e-Complaint module on its Citizen Portal.
This represents an important change from older descriptions of online police complaints that treated an online complaint as incapable of leading to electronic FIR registration.
Maharashtra Police Citizen Services
- Viewing registered FIRs
- Lost mobile reporting
- Missing-person search
- Arrested-person search
- e-Complaint registration and status
- Citizen feedback
- Verification-related services
Maharashtra Police unit websites
Police unit websites include services for Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Raigad and other units. Check the official list for current local services.
Maharashtra Police – Police Unit WebsitesFrequently Asked Questions
Can I file a complaint online with Maharashtra Police?
Yes. Maharashtra Police provides an e-Complaint facility through its Citizen Portal. The complaint is referred to the concerned police station for necessary action.
Can I register an FIR online in Maharashtra?
Information relating to a cognizable offence can be submitted electronically under Section 173 BNSS. The police register the FIR when the applicable legal requirements are fulfilled.
Is an e-Complaint automatically an FIR?
No. The e-Complaint is the method of submitting information electronically. FIR registration is undertaken by the police in accordance with law.
Do I have to visit the police station after filing an e-Complaint?
You may be asked to visit for clarification, a statement, signature/authentication or other necessary formalities.
Can I view my FIR online?
Maharashtra Police provides a Published FIR search facility through its Citizen Portal, subject to availability and applicable restrictions.
Can I report a lost mobile phone online?
Yes. A dedicated Mobile Missing Form is available and asks for details such as IMEI number, make, model and place of occurrence.
What should I do for theft, robbery or another serious offence?
Do not rely exclusively on the online portal. Contact the concerned police station promptly where urgent action is required.
What happens if I submit a false complaint?
Maharashtra Police guidance warns that false or fabricated complaints may result in legal action against the complainant.
Important Update
Since 1 July 2024: the BNSS has replaced the CrPC; Section 173 recognises electronic communication of information concerning cognizable offences; Maharashtra Police has implemented an e-Complaint module; and the Citizen Portal separately provides facilities for viewing registered FIRs and tracking e-Complaints.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information and guidance. Maharashtra Police may change its portal, forms, login requirements, eligibility conditions and online services. Verify the current procedure on the official Maharashtra Police website before submitting a complaint. For serious offences or situations requiring immediate police intervention, contact the concerned police station or police authorities without waiting for an online process.