Learn what a draft of criminal complaint is as per the Indian law, with proper format, sample templates, documents, and filing steps under the BNSS. Includes examples, FAQs, and common mistakes to avoid.

What is a Criminal Complaint?

Meaning of Criminal Complaint Under BNSS/CrPC

A criminal complaint is a formal allegation made before a Magistrate stating that a person has committed an offence. Under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 (BNSS), [formerly the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 (“CrPC”)], a complaint is defined under Section 2(1)(h) as any allegation made orally or in writing to a Magistrate, with a view to his taking action under BNSS, that some person, whether known or unknown, has committed an offence. The definition specifically excludes a police report, distinguishing complaints from First Information Reports (FIRs).

A complaint can be filed for both cognizable offences (where police can arrest without warrant, like murder, rape, theft) and non-cognizable offences (where police cannot arrest without warrant, like assault, defamation). The person making the complaint is called the complainant, and they can be the victim of the offence, a witness to the crime, or anyone who has knowledge about the commission of the offence. This broad definition ensures that justice is accessible to all, not just direct victims of crimes.

Who Can File a Criminal Complaint?

Any person who has knowledge of the commission of an offence can file a criminal complaint before a Magistrate. The complainant need not be the person who suffered injury or loss due to the offence; even a witness or someone who became aware of the crime can approach the court. 

However, for certain offences like defamation, marriage-related offences, and offences specified under Sections 220 to 222 of BNSS (previously Sections 195 to 197 of CrPC), only specific persons can file complaints, and some require prior sanction from government authorities before a Magistrate can take cognizance.

Essential Elements in a Draft Criminal Complaint: Format and Structure 

Court Details and Case Number

The draft of criminal complaint must begin with the designation of the court where you’re filing, written in capital letters at the top center of the first page: “IN THE COURT OF THE [CHIEF JUDICIAL MAGISTRATE / JUDICIAL MAGISTRATE FIRST CLASS], [CITY/DISTRICT]”. Below this, leave a space for the case number that the court will assign upon filing, formatted as “Complaint Case No. _/20“. 

You don’t fill in the case number yourself: the court registry assigns it when they accept your complaint and enter it in their records. This court designation establishes which Magistrate has jurisdiction to hear your case based on where the offence occurred.

Parties Information (Complainant and Accused)

After the court details, create a section that clearly identifies all parties involved in the case. For the complainant, provide complete details: full name, parentage (son/daughter/wife of), age, occupation, and full residential address. Then write “VERSUS” or “Vs.” to separate the parties. 

For the accused, provide similar details: name, parentage if known, age (if known or “age unknown”), occupation if known, and address (complete address if known, otherwise “address unknown” or last known address). If there are multiple accused persons, number them as Accused No. 1, Accused No. 2, and so on, with complete details for each person.

Structure and format of the body of the draft criminal complaint

The main body starts with the phrase “MOST RESPECTFULLY SHOWETH” and contains numbered paragraphs (typically 12-16) detailing the facts, offence committed, jurisdiction, limitation period compliance, and the relief sought. Each component serves a specific legal purpose and must be included for the draft of the criminal complaint to be complete.

The format concludes with a prayer clause requesting the Magistrate to take cognizance of the offence and punish the accused according to law. 

After the prayer, the draft of the criminal complaint must contain a verification statement where the complainant affirms that the contents are true and correct to the best of their knowledge. 

An affidavit supporting the criminal complaint, a list of witnesses, and an index of annexures (documents attached as evidence) complete the structure. Following this format ensures your complaint meets court requirements and avoids rejection on technical grounds.

How to Draft a Criminal Complaint: Step-by-Step

Complainant Details and Background

Begin the draft of the criminal complaint body with “MOST RESPECTFULLY SHOWETH:” followed by numbered paragraphs. 

In paragraph 1, introduce yourself as the complainant with your complete details: “That the complainant is a law-abiding citizen of India, residing at [complete address with house/flat number, street, area, city, state, pin code].” If relevant to establishing your credibility or connection to the case, mention your occupation, educational background, or social standing. For example: “That the complainant is a retired government officer working with [department] for 30 years and is a respected member of the society.”

In paragraph 2, establish your relationship or connection to the accused person or the offence. If the accused is known to you, explain how: “That the accused is the neighbor of the complainant, both residing in the same apartment complex for the past five years.” If the accused is a stranger, mention the circumstances: “That the accused is unknown to the complainant and the incident occurred when the complainant was traveling on public transport.” This background helps the Magistrate understand the context and establishes your standing to file the complaint. You can also mention if you’ve had previous interactions, business dealings, or disputes with the accused that are relevant to understanding the current offence.

Details of Accused Person

In paragraph 3, provide detailed information about the accused person to help in their identification and service of summons. Include their full name as you know it, approximate age if known, physical description if relevant (height, build, identifying marks), occupation or business they’re engaged in, and their complete residential or business address.

 If you don’t know the exact address, provide as much information as possible: “That the accused resides somewhere in [locality/area name] and runs a shop named [shop name] on [street name].” If the accused is completely unknown, describe how you can help identify them: “That the accused can be identified by the complainant and witnesses as he was seen at the crime scene and his physical features are distinctive.”

Facts of the Case (Date, Time, Place, and Offence Committed)

Paragraphs 4 through 7 or 8 form the heart of your draft of criminal complaint. 

The detailed chronological narration of facts. Start paragraph 4 with the date and time when the incident occurred: “That on [date] at about [time, e.g., 6:30 PM], the following incident took place.” Specify the exact location with as much detail as possible: “near the bus stand at [landmark], [area], [city]” or “inside the complainant’s residence at [complete address].” Then describe what happened in clear, simple language, avoiding legal jargon. Write in chronological order: what happened first, then second, then third; so the Magistrate can follow the sequence of events easily.

In paragraphs 5 and 6, continue describing the acts committed by the accused in detail. For assault cases, describe the physical acts: “The accused grabbed the complainant’s hand forcefully and punched the complainant on the cheeks and back repeatedly, causing severe pain and injuries.” For cheating cases, describe the false promises made and how you relied on them: “The accused represented himself as an authorized distributor of [company] and promised to deliver goods worth Rs. 5 lakhs within 30 days if the complainant made advance payment.” Include specific amounts, dates of transactions, names of witnesses present, and any threats or intimidating words spoken by the accused.

Paragraph 7 should describe the immediate consequences and aftermath of the offence. Mention any injuries sustained (visible marks, pain, bleeding), financial loss suffered (exact amounts), emotional distress caused, or witnesses who saw the incident. “That as a result of the assault, the complainant sustained injuries on the face and back, and immediately sought medical treatment at [hospital name] where a Medical Legal Case (MLC) was registered.” Or for cheating: “That despite the complainant making payment of Rs. 3,50,000/- (Rupees Three Lakhs Fifty Thousand only) through bank transfer, the accused neither delivered the goods nor returned the money, despite repeated demands made personally and through written notices.”

In paragraph 8, if applicable, mention any attempts you made to resolve the matter or seek help from authorities before filing the complaint. “That the complainant approached the [police station name] on [date] and submitted a written complaint, but no action was taken by the police authorities despite repeated follow-ups.” Or “That the complainant sent a legal notice dated [date] to the accused demanding return of the money, but the accused refused to respond or comply.” This demonstrates that you exhausted other remedies before approaching the Magistrate and strengthens your case by showing your bonafide and accused’s non-cooperation.

Jurisdiction and Limitation

In paragraph 9 or 10, establish territorial jurisdiction clearly by stating why this particular court has the authority to try the case. Write: “That the offence has been committed within the local limits of the territorial jurisdiction of this Hon’ble Court, as the incident took place at [location], which falls under [police station area], within the jurisdiction of this Court.” 

If the offence has multiple locations (like cheating where offer was made in one place, payment in another, and non-delivery in third), you can mention all: “That part of the offence was committed within the jurisdiction of this Court as the complainant resides within this jurisdiction and the accused made false promises and received money at a location within this Court’s territorial limits.”

In the next paragraph, address the limitation period to show the criminal complaint is filed within time. For most criminal offences, there’s no strict limitation period like civil cases, but you should explain any delay in filing. Write: “That the cause of action for this complaint first arose on [date of offence], and the complainant became fully aware of all facts constituting the offence on [date if different]. The complaint is being filed immediately upon complete knowledge of the facts, and hence is well within any reasonable time period.” 

If there was delay (filing complaint months after the offence), provide genuine reasons: “That although the offence occurred on [date], the complainant could not file the complaint immediately due to [medical treatment/hospitalization/fear of accused/attempts at settlement], and is filing at the earliest possible opportunity.”

Prayer Clause

In the penultimate paragraph (usually paragraph 12 or 13), include the prayer clause requesting specific relief from the Magistrate. Write: “That the complainant, therefore, most respectfully prays that this Hon’ble Court may be pleased to: (a) take cognizance of the offence committed by the accused under Section [mention BNS section] of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (formerly Indian Penal Code 1860); (b) issue process/summons to the accused directing him/her to appear before this Hon’ble Court; (c) try the accused for the offence committed and punish him/her according to law; and (d) pass such further orders as this Hon’ble Court may deem fit and proper in the interest of justice.”

Verification and Signature

At the end of the complaint, after the prayer clause, include a verification section formatted as follows: “VERIFICATION: I, [your full name], the complainant above named, do hereby solemnly affirm and declare that the contents of the above complaint are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief, no part of it is false, and nothing material has been concealed therefrom. Verified at [city] on this [date] day of [month], [year].” Sign below the verification with your full signature and print your name clearly underneath. If you’re filing through an advocate, add: “Through: [Advocate Name], Advocate, [Advocate’s chamber address and enrollment number].”

Drafts of Criminal Complaint for Common Offences

Assault Complaint Format 

Victim of physical assault? Get our ready-to-file draft of a criminal complaint with all necessary legal elements – just add your incident details and approach the Magistrate immediately. 

Cheating Complaint Format 

Been cheated or defrauded? Download our draft criminal complaint format that covers essential fraud elements, monetary details, and legal provisions to strengthen your case before the Magistrate. 

Defamation Complaint Format 

Reputation damaged by false statements? Access our draft of criminal complaint that properly captures the averments on defamatory content, publication details, and harm caused. 

What Documents Should Be Attached to a Criminal Complaint?

List of Documents to Be Attached

The documents you attach with your criminal complaint serve as evidence supporting your allegations and help the Magistrate assess whether a prima facie case exists. 

For assault complaints, you must attach the Medical Certificate or Medico-Legal Case (MLC) report from the hospital where you received treatment, showing the nature and extent of injuries. Include witness statements in affidavit form from persons who saw the assault occur, signed and notarized. Attach photographs of visible injuries taken immediately after the incident, and if you complained to the police first, include a copy of your police complaint with the receiving acknowledgement or DD (Daily Diary) entry number.

For breach of trust, cheating and fraud complaints, attach all financial documents proving the transaction: bank transfer receipts, cancelled cheques, deposit slips, or cash receipts issued by the accused. Include any written agreements, contracts, or undertakings given by the accused promising delivery of goods/services. Attach copies of all communication between you and the accused; WhatsApp chat screenshots, SMS records, emails, or letters, showing the accused’s promises and subsequent refusal to honor them. If you sent a legal demand notice seeking refund before filing the complaint, attach the demand notice copy with postal acknowledgment or courier receipt. 

For defamation complaints, attach screenshots of defamatory social media posts, copies of newspaper articles or pamphlets containing defamatory content, and witness statements from persons who heard or read the defamatory statements. Each document must be clearly marked as Annexure A, B, C, etc., and referred to in the complaint body.

How to Attach Annexures to a Criminal Complaint

Annexures must be marked systematically using either Annexure A, B, C format or Annexure-1, 2, 3 format; choose one system and use it consistently throughout. 

At the top right corner of each document, write clearly “Annexure A” or “Annexure-1” using a pen or attach a paper label. 

In the complaint body, when you mention any document, refer to it by its annexure marking: “Copy of the Medical Certificate dated 15.01.2025 issued by Dr. Sharma is annexed herewith and marked as Annexure A.” This cross-referencing helps the court quickly locate relevant evidence while reading your complaint. 

Original vs Certified Copy: What to Submit with a Criminal Complaint

For the complaint document itself and the affidavit supporting it, you must submit the original bearing your original signature; photocopies are not acceptable as these are primary documents. 

For annexures (supporting documents), the general practice is to submit certified copies, not originals, unless the court specifically directs otherwise. A certified copy means a photocopy of the original document which is duly with a certification statement: “I certify that this is a true copy of the original document in my possession” signed by you or your advocate, and preferably notarized. This protects your original documents from loss or damage during court proceedings.

However, for certain critical documents, you should carry the originals to court when you appear for examination under Section 223 of BNSS (formerly Section 200 of CrPC), so the Magistrate can verify them if needed. These include: medical certificates, bank statements, receipts of payment, and agreements. 

Keep one complete set of all documents (complaint plus all annexures) as your personal record, and prepare three to four sets for filing: one for the court record, one for the accused when summons are issued, and one for your advocate if represented. The court registry may stamp all copies simultaneously, so having multiple identical sets ready speeds up the filing process and ensures everyone has complete documentation.

How to File Criminal Complaint in Court

Where to File Criminal Complaint (Jurisdiction)

You must file your criminal complaint in the Magistrate court that has territorial jurisdiction over the place where the offence was committed. Under Section 197 of BNSS (formerly Section 177 of CrPC), every offence is ordinarily tried by the court within whose local limits it was committed. For example, if an assault occurred in South Delhi, you file in the court of the Metropolitan Magistrate having jurisdiction over that area in South Delhi. 

If you’re unsure which court has jurisdiction, check which police station area covers the location of the offence; that police station’s area usually falls under a specific Magistrate court’s jurisdiction, which you can verify from the Delhi District Courts website or similar state court websites.

Court Fee for Criminal Complaint

The court fee for filing a criminal complaint varies by state but typically ranges roughly between Rs. 25 to Rs. 200 depending on the offence and state-specific court fees legislations. You pay this fee by purchasing court fee stamps (adhesive stamps) from authorized vendors near the court premises and affixing them on the first page of your complaint in the designated space, usually at the top right corner. 

In Delhi, for most criminal complaints, the court fee is Rs. 200, while in Maharashtra it may be Rs. 50-100 depending on the offence category. It’s advisable to inquire at the court’s filing counter or check applicable court fees schedule to determine the exact amount before purchasing stamps, as filing with incorrect or insufficient court fee can lead to rejection of your complaint.

Filing Process at Magistrate Court

Below are the steps which you need to take to file your criminal complaint: 

• On the day of filing, carry your complaint with all annexures attached (original plus 3-4 copies), court fee stamps affixed, affidavit if prepared, and your photo ID proof. 
• Go to the Magistrate court premises and locate the filing counter or registry office; usually marked as “Criminal Complaint Filing Section” or “Reader’s Table.” Submit all copies of your complaint to the clerk at the filing counter. 
• The clerk will verify that all required components are present: complaint properly formatted, court fee stamps affixed, annexures attached and marked, verification statement included. If everything is in order, the clerk will assign a case number and stamp all copies with the filing date.

Importantly, insist on receiving back one date-stamped copy for your personal records; this is your proof of filing and contains the case number you’ll need for all future references. The clerk will note down your contact details (mobile number and address) to inform you about the date of examination. Ask the clerk approximately when you should expect a notice for examination; this can range from 2 weeks to 3 months depending on the court’s workload. 

If your complaint is rejected for any technical reason (improper format, insufficient court fee, missing documents), the clerk will point out the deficiency; rectify it immediately and resubmit. Keep checking the court’s daily cause list (available on court notice boards or websites) for your case number to know when it’s listed for examination.

What documents do I need to file a criminal complaint 

Before going to court to file your complaint, verify the following items are complete and in order: 

• Complaint document drafted with all required paragraphs (complainant details, accused details, facts of the case, offence committed, jurisdiction statement, limitation compliance, prayer clause), court designation and case number format correctly mentioned at the top, verification statement included at the end with space for your signature, and proper court fee stamps purchased and affixed. 
• Check that all annexures are prepared: medical certificate (for assault), bank statements and receipts (for cheating), screenshots (for defamation/cyber offences), witness statements in affidavit form, legal notice copies with postal acknowledgment, police complaint copies if you approached police first; each marked clearly as Annexure A, B, C, etc., and referenced in the complaint body. Also, create an index of annexures listing all attached documents with page numbers. 
• Ensure you have prepared multiple copies: one original for court record, and 3-4 photocopies (one for accused service, one for your personal record, one spare). 
• Carry your photo ID proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport) for identification at the court. If filing through an advocate, ensure the Vakalatnama (power of attorney) is prepared and signed, authorizing the advocate to file and represent on your behalf. 
• Most importantly, read through the entire complaint one final time to check for errors in names, dates, amounts, or offence section numbers: any mistake can delay the proceedings or weaken your case. 
• Keep your original documents (originals of medical certificates, receipts, agreements) with you; file certified copies only, but carry originals to show the Magistrate during the examination if asked for verification.

How to File a Criminal Complaint Online in India?

Several states now offer e-filing for criminal complaints through integrated court portals. You can register, upload your complaint and annexures as PDFs, pay court fees electronically, and receive a filing number online. However, you’ll still need to physically appear before the Magistrate for examination under Section 223 of BNSS (formerly Section 200 of CrPC), as this oath-based examination cannot be conducted virtually in most states.

The e-filing process is extremely straightforward: 

• Register on your state’s court website; 
• Fill the online form with party details and offence sections; 
• Upload scanned documents (2-5 MB limit per file); 
• Pay requisite court fees via net banking/UPI; and 
• Click on Submit. 

You’ll receive a provisional filing number via SMS/email. The court registry verifies your documents within days and either assigns an official case number or sends a defect memo if corrections are needed. You can watch this step-by-step e-filing tutorial for detailed guidance on the online filing process.

But before you begin e-filing, check your state’s district court website to confirm if e-filing is available for criminal complaints in your jurisdiction and whether physical appearance is mandatory. If e-filing isn’t available or you prefer traditional methods, physical filing at the court registry remains the standard accepted process used by most complainants across India.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Drafting A Criminal Complaint

Vague Facts and Missing Details

One of the most common reasons for a criminal complaint’s dismissal is providing vague, general statements instead of specific facts. 

For example, writing “The accused assaulted me” is insufficient. You must specify: “On 15th January 2025, at 6:30 PM, near the parking area of ABC Apartments, Sector 23, Delhi, the accused grabbed my left hand forcefully and punched me three times on my face and back with his closed fist, causing swelling and bleeding from my nose.”  Basically, include exact dates, times, places, amounts, names of witnesses, and what exactly was said or done; this specificity helps the Magistrate determine whether the facts constitute an offence.

Mentioning incorrect legal provisions 

Citing incorrect sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 (formerly Indian Penal Code 1860) primarily leads to the Magistrate taking cognizance under a different section which affects the punishment and bail conditions or leads to outright rejection of criminal complaint.

If unsure about which section applies, consult a senior/peer/trusted colleague or clearly describe the acts committed in detail and request the Magistrate to take cognizance under appropriate provisions; courts can determine the correct offence based on facts even if you don’t cite sections, but citing wrong sections may prejudice your case.

Jurisdiction Errors

Filing a complaint in a court that lacks territorial jurisdiction over the offence is a fundamental error that will result in rejection or transfer of your case, wasting valuable time. Under Section 197 of BNSS (formerly Section 177 of the CrPC), you must file in the court having jurisdiction over the place where the offence was committed, not where you reside or where the accused resides (unless the offence was also committed there). 

For example, if an assault occurred in Mumbai but you and the accused both live in Pune, you must file the complaint in a Mumbai Magistrate court, not Pune. Verify the exact location of the offence and identify which police station covers that area; then file in the Magistrate court under whose jurisdiction that police station falls. Court websites usually provide jurisdiction maps and lists showing which areas fall under which courts.

Civil Matter vs Criminal Offence Confusion

Many disputes that are essentially civil in nature (breach of contract, property disputes, recovery of money lent) get wrongly dressed up as criminal complaints, leading to dismissal or even counter-action for abuse of process. Not every breach of promise or non-payment constitutes cheating under Section 318 of BNS (formerly Section 420 of IPC) for cheating, you must show that the accused had dishonest intention from the very beginning and deliberately made false promises to deceive you, not that circumstances changed later. 

Similarly, mere non-payment of dues or disputed ownership of property are civil matters requiring civil suits, not criminal complaints. Before filing, ask yourself: Did the accused commit an act that harms public interest or society (criminal offence), or is this purely a private dispute about money or property (civil matter)? If in doubt, consult a lawyer to avoid filing a frivolous criminal complaint, which can result in dismissal for giving false information to get someone punished.

Conclusion

Filing a criminal complaint is your constitutional right to seek justice when you’ve suffered a criminal wrong, but the success of your complaint depends significantly on how well you draft and present it. A well-structured complaint with clear facts, proper legal sections, supporting documents, and correct forum selection can lead to swift cognizance by the Magistrate and initiation of trial against the accused. Throughout this guide, we’ve covered the complete process from understanding what constitutes a criminal complaint, to drafting each component systematically, to preparing offence-specific complaints with proper annexures, to finally filing at the correct Magistrate court. 

Remember that a criminal complaint is not just a formality but a legal document that sets the entire criminal justice process in motion; it forms the foundation of your case and determines the charges the accused will face. Take time to draft it carefully, include all relevant facts in chronological order, attach every piece of supporting evidence, and ensure technical requirements like jurisdiction, limitation, and verification are properly addressed. If you’re unsure about any aspect, especially legal section citations or strategic decisions, don’t hesitate to consult a criminal lawyer before filing. The effort you invest in proper complaint drafting will save you significant time, money, and stress during the subsequent trial stages, and substantially increase your chances of obtaining justice through the criminal justice system.

Frequently Asked Questions on Draft of Criminal Complaint

Can I file a criminal complaint without a lawyer? 

Yes, you can file a criminal complaint without a lawyer; there is no legal requirement mandating legal representation for filing complaints before a Magistrate. However, it’s advisable to consult a criminal lawyer at least once before filing, especially for complex offences or if you’re unfamiliar with legal procedures.

Can I file a criminal complaint online in India? 

Yes, several states like Maharashtra, Delhi, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh offer e-filing through court portals where you can upload your complaint, pay fees electronically, and receive a filing number. However, you must still physically appear before the Magistrate for examination under Section 223 of BNSS (formerly Section 200 of CrPC), as this oath-based process cannot be conducted virtually in most states.

How long does it take for a Magistrate to take action on a criminal complaint? 

The timeline varies from 1 to 6 months depending on court workload and whether inquiry is ordered. Typically, you’ll receive a notice for examination within 2 weeks to 3 months, and if the Magistrate is satisfied after examination, the process may be issued immediately or after an inquiry taking another 2-4 months.

What is the difference between a criminal complaint and FIR? 

An FIR is filed at a police station under Section 173 BNSS (formerly Section 154 CrPC), while a criminal complaint is filed directly before a Magistrate. An FIR triggers automatic police investigation with arrest powers for cognizable offences, whereas a criminal complaint requires Magistrate examination first, with investigation ordered only if deemed necessary.

What happens after filing a criminal complaint in court? 

The Magistrate examines you and witnesses under oath, then either issues process to the accused, dismisses the complaint, or directs police investigation. 

Can the police refuse to register my complaint? 

For cognizable offences, police cannot legally refuse to register an FIR as established in Lalita Kumari v. Government of U.P. (2014) 2 SCC 01 . If police refuse, approach the Superintendent of Police in writing, and if the SP doesn’t act, file an application before the Magistrate requesting the court to direct police to register FIR and investigate.

What happens if my criminal complaint is dismissed? 

If the Magistrate finds insufficient grounds to proceed, they may dismiss your complaint under Section 226 of BNSS (formerly Section 203 of CrPC) with written reasons. You can challenge this dismissal by filing a revision petition before the Sessions Court within the prescribed limitation period.

How to file a complaint when the police refuse an FIR? 

First, approach the Superintendent of Police (SP) in writing requesting them to direct the police station to register the FIR or investigate the matter. If the SP doesn’t take action within 2-4 weeks, file an application before the Judicial Magistrate requesting direction to police for FIR registration and investigation.

Can I withdraw a criminal complaint after filing? 

Yes, for compoundable offences, you can compound with the accused’s consent and seek Magistrate’s permission to withdraw at any stage before judgment. For non-compoundable offences, withdrawal requires court permission, which is granted only if the Public Prosecutor consents and the court is satisfied that withdrawal serves justice.

What is the punishment for filing a false criminal complaint? 

Filing a false criminal complaint with malicious intent is an offence under Section 248 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (formerly Section 211 IPC), punishable with imprisonment up to two years, fine, or both. If the false complaint alleges an offence punishable with death, life imprisonment, or seven years or more, the punishment can extend to seven years imprisonment and fine.

Exploring Criminal Law Careers? Check out our guides on How to become a criminal lawyer and Criminal Lawyer Salary