When a citizen pleads for justice to the police or government authorities and is subjected to inaction, negligence or direct intimidation, the law does not leave him helpless. Even if high-ranking officials like the Superintendent of Police, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Inspector General of Police, Director General of Police or Home Ministry refuse to take action or try to silence the complainant, the citizen has the right to speak beyond the administrative system in constitutional, judicial and public monitoring mechanisms. In such situations, the right response is not to retreat out of fear, but to document misconduct, safeguard evidence of threats and present it to an even higher and more impartial authority, thereby turning a case of negligence into an institutional failure. At every level, the complaint should be filed in writing rather than oral complaints, as any authority that ignores the complaint lodged becomes legally and morally accountable.
If an authority refuses to act, the citizen must proceed in an orderly manner. For police negligence, the next level is that of a magistrate under section 156 (3) CrPC, where the citizen can request a court order to compel the police to register an FIR. If that too fails or the threats continue, the citizen can approach the High Court by means of a writ petition under Article 226, claiming that his fundamental right to a fair investigation under Article 21 has been violated. If systemic repression makes judicial intervention necessary, the citizen can collect evidence of institutional failure – such as complaint receipts, emails, the officer’s replies, or their absence – and attach them to a petition indicating that justice has not been denied by one officer, but by the entire machinery designed to protect him.
If judicial action is slow or a threat to life exists, the citizen may alternatively approach constitutional and human rights bodies, such as the Governor, the National or State Human Rights Commission, the SC/ST Commission, or the Women’s Commission, which have powers to monitor government abuses. If these institutions also fail or threats continue, a citizen may expose the matter to the responsible media or NGOs, turning a private plea into a demand for public accountability. In this situation, officials often act not out of good faith, but out of fear of being exposed or judicial reprimanded.
Thus, when an officer fails, the citizen does not stop – he turns every rejection into evidence, documents every threat, and rises up the chain of justice, local enforcement → administrative surveillance → judicial enforcement → constitutional intervention → proceeds from public investigation. This planned escalation ensures that no official silence becomes the end of justice – it becomes the beginning of a strong fight.
1. When The Local Police Station Refuses Action, Ignores You, Or Threatens You – What Can You Do?
A local police station is the first point of contact for any citizen seeking justice, whether it is filing an FIR, reporting harassment, cyber fraud, domestic violence, land disputes, or any type of criminal offence. However, in many cases across India, citizens face a common problem – station house officers (SHOs) or duty staff refuse to file complaints, ask for unnecessary evidence, deliberately delay, favor the accused due to political or financial influence, or worse, threaten or discourage the complainant. Such conduct is not only unethical but also illegal, as it violates section 166A of the Indian Penal Code, which punishes public servants who disregard the law with regard to filing FIRs.
If the police verbally refuse to register an FIR, you should not leave quietly. Instead, file your complaint in writing mentioning all the relevant facts, and submit it addressed to the Station House Officer through registered post or speed post. Keep the postal receipt as legal proof that you tried to file a complaint. If they still do not take any action, send a copy of the complaint immediately to the Superintendent of Police (SP) under section 154 (3) of CrPC, clearly stating above: “______Non-filing of FIR by police station – Request for action under section 154 (3) CrPC”
If the police threaten you or misbehave with you, try to carefully record audio or video next time, or bring a witness with you. You can also send an email complaint to the SP, DGP or the state Home Ministry with proper evidence. Additionally, many states have online police complaint portals and cyber complaint platforms that completely bypass the local police station. If your case is serious – such as life-threatening, sexual violence, or SC/ST atrocities – you can contact directly the Women’s Helpline (1091), Childline (1098), the SC/ST Commission, or the 112 Emergency Dial Centre, which are monitored at a high level.
The most important thing is to never fail to silence the local police. The refusal of any one official to act is not the end of justice – it is simply the first failed checkpoint, and the law has given you every right to proceed without fear.
2. If SP Or DIG/IG Also Do Not Take Action – Then How To Proceed?
When you send your complaint to the Superintendent of Police (SP) under Section 154 (3) of CrPC, you expect timely intervention. But in many districts, SPs are overburdened with work, are affected by political interference, or are sometimes biased towards local authorities, resulting either in no action or in the tacit dismissal of actual complaints. If this happens, do not assume that the process has failed – it simply means that you have to go up the chain of command, because the police is a hierarchical force, and high-ranking officers have the right to cancel the negligence of lower officers. Has the right to do.
The next level after SP is that of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) or Inspector General of Police (IG). These officers monitor several districts and are known to take departmental deficiencies and complaints of citizens more seriously, especially when the complaint mentions that the local police and SP have refused to perform their legal duties. Your complaint letter or email should clearly state that no response was received to your previous complaints sent to the SHO and SP, and should include copies of acknowledgment receipts or email records to prove that you have sought legal redress. Real efforts were made.
If the DIG or IG also fails to intervene, you can send a formal reminder stating that you will be forced to raise your complaint to the DGP, State Home Ministry, Human Rights Commission and the High Court. When higher authorities find that you are legally aware and determined not to give up, they avoid negligence for fear of disciplinary inquiry or judicial inquiry. You can also file an RTI (Right to Information) application asking the SP or DIG for information on the status of your complaint file, which legally obliges them to respond within 30 days – and not doing so becomes another ground of proof against them.
In many states, DIG/IG level officers conduct public hearings, complaint camps or online video complaints through WhatsApp or dedicated portals. Use these platforms fearlessly. Include emotional and legal urgency—, for example, mention threats to your security or ongoing harassment. If even the DIG/IG ignores you, take that written evidence to the next officer— because every denial becomes fuel for justice at a higher level.
3. If Even The IG Fails – Convey Your Message To The DGP (Director General Of Police)
When even the Inspector General (IG) or Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of your police area does not take your complaint seriously— or deliberately delay the action— then you should take the matter directly to the Director General of Police (DGP), who is the highest police officer of the state. Are. The DGP has complete administrative control over all police forces, district chiefs, special branches (such as CID, Cyber Cell, ATS) and subordinate ranks. When you convey your message to the DGP, your complaint is no longer considered a normal complaint; It becomes a matter of state-level supervision, and officers who previously ignored you may face departmental inquiry or disciplinary action.
While writing to the DGP, your tone should be firm, factual and legally conscious. Start by clearly stating that you had contacted (1) the police station, (2) the SP, and (3) the DIG/IG, but no action was taken despite repeated requests. This pattern establishes systematic negligence, which the DGP is bound to investigate. Mention that such denial violates your constitutional right to justice under Article 21, Supreme Court Guidelines Mandatory FIR Registration in Lalita Kumari vs. Government of Uttar Pradesh (2013), and Section 166 A IPC which punishes officers for non-performance of legal duties.
Send your complaint through registered post, email and if possible online police complaint portal. Many state police departments have dedicated DGP complaint emails, and some even actively respond to Twitter (X) when tagged publicly. If the case concerns life-threatening, sexual assault, SC/ST atrocities, cyber fraud, land grabbing, or police misconduct, expose it explicitly as “a case of immediate intervention – a threat to security and a failure of the police hierarchy”.
This is very powerful because you can now go beyond policing and exercise executive or judicial powers directly. The law is clear: when the police refuse to do justice, the administration and the judiciary must intervene. Therefore, your next complaint should be with the State Home Ministry or Judicial Magistrate – it will be as per your choice.
4. If The DGP Also Ignores – Then Lodge A Complaint With The State Home Ministry
The State Home Ministry is the highest administrative authority over the entire police force. It is usually headed by the Chief Minister (in some states) or the Cabinet Minister for Home Affairs, and is coordinated by the Home Secretary or Additional Chief Secretary (Home). When you transmit your complaint to the Home Ministry, your complaint is no longer just a matter for the police – it becomes a question of governance and constitutional accountability.
Start your letter or email by clearly stating: “This complaint is being submitted due to complete inaction of the police at all subordinate levels including Police Station, SP, DIG/IG and DGP” Mention that your right to justice and security has been denied by the very institution whose purpose is to protect you, and that you therefore seek direct intervention from the Department of Home Affairs. Attach copies of all previous complaints and receipts, which are irrefutable proof that you followed legal proceedings procedures before reaching this stage.
You can send your complaint to:
In your appeal, also cite these Supreme Court rulings, such as “No police officer may refuse to file an FIR when a cognizable offence is disclosed” Make it clear that if the Home Ministry also fails to intervene, you will be obliged to approach the High Court through a writ petition under Article 226.
In many cases, after the Home Ministry issues instructions, the police are forced to reopen the case, suspend negligent officers, or transfer the investigation to a higher unit like the CID or crime branch. Moreover, since administrative failures can become political disputes, home ministries prefer quick solutions to public embarrassment.
If even this level does not respond, you now have the moral and legal right to exercise judicial power by completely bypassing the executive.
5. To Approach The Magistrate Under Section 156 (3) Crpc – To Compel The Filing Of FIR Judicially
If all executive levels fail, you can contact the Judicial Magistrate (First Class) or Metropolitan Magistrate directly under Section 156 (3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). This provision is a powerful legal remedy that allows a citizen to request a court to order the police to register an FIR and conduct an investigation. Unlike administrative complaints, a magistrate’s order becomes legally binding, and non-compliance by the police can also lead to contempt proceedings.
To use this remedy, you must prepare an application/petition with the following structure:
After the magistrate examines your petition, they can do the following:
Most importantly, even if the police have threatened you earlier, once a court order is issued, they cannot harass or ignore you, as there will be a judicial response to any misconduct.
If the police still disobey, your power becomes even stronger – you can approach the High Court with a writ petition for contempt of court and failure to provide security.
Thus, when the police hierarchy crumbles, the magistrate’s court becomes your first true guardian.
6. High Court – When Everything Fails, The Highest Constitutional Shield
When the police and administration refuse to do justice, the High Court becomes your last and most powerful remedy. Under article 226 of the Constitution, every High Court is empowered to issue writs against any authority – including the police, government officials or even private institutions – to protect your fundamental rights.
You can file a writ petition (mandamus) demanding the following:
To strengthen your case, attach all previous complaints and evidence showing systematic negligence in the police hierarchy and executive authorities. The courts take such cases very seriously and often summon senior officials personally and compel them to respond.
In landmark decisions, courts have repeatedly declared that “the right to a fair investigation is a part of article 21 – the right to life” This means that if the police refuses to conduct an impartial investigation, it is violating your fundamental right and the court must intervene.
Once the High Court order is issued, no police officer or politician can dare to ignore it. Non-compliance can result in suspension, arrest or even jail for contempt of court. Many historical cases in India, ranging from custodial deaths to political harassment and cyber crimes, have been resolved only after the intervention of the High Court.
Thus, when all the doors are closed, the High Court becomes your shield, your voice and your justice system.
7. If The State Officials Also Fail – Then Convey Your Message To The Chief Minister
When every administrative and police officer, be it a local police station or Superintendent of Police, Deputy Inspector General of Police/Inspector General of Police, Director General of Police and even the Ministry of Home Affairs, fails to take action, you can directly contact the Chief Minister (Chief Minister) of your state. Can contact. The Chief Minister is not only a political leader but also the constitutional head of the state executive, who has the power to issue immediate instructions to any department, including the police. Although many citizens believe that it is difficult to reach the Chief Minister, the modern governance system has made it difficult to reach the Chief Minister through official email ID, Chief Minister Grievance Portal, RTI-based follow-up, speaking on social media and Jansunwai (Jan Suni or Mukhyamantri Janata Darbar). Has made it easier through many mediums like.
While writing to the Chief Minister, your tone should be firm and respectful, and present your complaint as a complete systemic failure rather than just a complaint. Start with this statement: “I have contacted the police station, SP, DIG/IG, DGP and Home Ministry, but my legal right to file FIR and get justice has been denied at every level.” Attach all receipts and references to previous complaints to prove that your complaint is valid and well documented.
Chief Minister’s offices usually have dedicated grievance cells, and bureaucrats take the Chief Minister’s instructions more seriously than general complaints, as no official wants to be pulled over by the Chief Minister’s review meetings. If your issue is related to women safety, child protection, farmer distress, corruption, SC/ST atrocities, senior citizen abuse, or land mafia, it is more likely to be given priority. You can also tag the Chief Minister on social media platforms like Twitter (X) with proper documentation and emotional appeal, sometimes leading to immediate interference due to public accountability.
Even if the Chief Minister doesn’t respond, don’t lose hope—. This actually strengthens your case for higher constitutional institutions like the Governor, the Human Rights Commission or the High Court, where you can now clearly say that you are the highest executive of the state. Even though you contacted the authority, you still did not get justice. In legal terms, this creates a solid basis for a writ petition or Public Interest Litigation (PIL).
Thus, writing a letter to the Chief Minister is not just a fierceness—it is a declaration that your fight is no longer local, but constitutional.
8. Reaching The Governor – Demands Constitutional Intervention
If the Chief Minister’s Office also fails to respond— or if your complaint is against politically connected persons or police officers working under political pressure—, you can convey your complaint to the Governor of the State, who is the representative of the President of India. Have constitutional rights. Although the Governor usually acts on the advice of the elected Government, article 163 and article 200 of the Constitution allow the Governor to exercise discretionary powers in matters relating to law and order or constitutional failure.
To contact the Governor, write a formal petition titled “Request for constitutional intervention due to complete police and administrative failure”. Mention clearly that you contacted all the lower officials including the Chief Minister but did not get justice, which indicates violation of the legitimate governance system. Attach all relevant records showing non-action by each officer. This creates a constitutional justification for interference.
The Governor’s Secretariat has the following powers:
Additionally, if your case concerns a serious human rights violation, wrongful prosecution, or threat to life due to state inaction, you may mention that “non-action may oblige me to intervene from the President of India and the Supreme Court”
Although the Governor cannot directly order an arrest or FIR, his written instructions are important and often create an immediate stir in the bureaucracy, as no state official wants a red mark in the records of the Raj Bhavan.
Thus, when even the elected government remains silent, the governor becomes the constitutional guardian to whom you can appeal, especially in cases where justice is obstructed by political influence or systemic corruption.
9. Contacting The National Or State Human Rights Commission (NHRC/SHRC) – When Your Rights Are Violated
If your case concerns denial, harassment, custodial threats, negligence in security, or breach of honour and security by the police, you can contact the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) or your respective State Human Rights Commission (SHRC). These bodies exist specifically to protect citizens from abuse of power by State officials, including police misconduct or administrative negligence.
File your complaint online or via post, explaining how your “right to life and personal liberty” under Article 21 and “right to equality” under Article 14 have been violated due to deliberate police inaction.
NHRC/SHRC can do the following:
Unlike the police or politicians, human rights commissions are quasi-judicial bodies that function independently. Their notices create fear among negligent officials, as their reports on non-compliance by state officials are often sent to the high courts or the Supreme Court.
If your case pertains to women, children, SC/ST, persons with disabilities, senior citizens or minorities, you can also lodge a complaint with the following special commissions:
These commissions have monitoring powers and legal effect and may oblige the State Police to respond within specific time limits.
Thus, when police injustice becomes a violation of human rights, NHRC or SHRC become a shield of your dignity and constitutional protection.
10. Media Or NGOS – When The System Fails, Make The Fight Public
When all official means fail—or when officials deliberately try to suppress your case—then sometimes appearing in public becomes the most effective weapon. Contacting trusted journalists, social workers, or non-profit legal rights organizations (NGOs) can bring your issue to public attention, forcing authorities to take action due to public pressure and social accountability.
However, this step should be taken carefully and strategically— never in anger or carelessness. Make sure you contact responsible media outlets or NGOs that handle sensitive matters ethically. Provide documents, copies of the complaint, screenshots, or audio/video evidence, and clearly state that you wish to protect or expose your identity. Many women, minors and informants prefer to remain anonymous, which the responsible media will respect.
Once the case reaches TV news, newspapers, or social media platforms, local authorities, who previously ignored your case, begin to take action to protect their public image. Even hashtags on Twitter (X) with proper documentation can attract the attention of influencers, lawyers, or public officials. Activist-based non-governmental organizations such as the Human Rights Law Network, PUCL, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, Amnesty India (where operational) or State Legal Aid Cells can provide free legal aid and case follow-up assistance.
But caution is important: If your complaint concerns violent or influential individuals, prioritize your safety. Before going to the media, inform at least two trusted people and collect evidence of any threat. In extreme situations, apply for advance protection or rehabilitation assistance through non-governmental organizations or the courts.
Media is not a substitute for law—, but it can act as a catalyst for justice, especially when the legal system is lax in it. History is witness to the fact that many high-profile justice movements (Nirbhaya case, Hathras case, custodial torture cases) succeeded only after media intervention.
So, if the system ignores your voice— then make the country hear its voice.
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