If the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) does not act on your complaint, you must escalate the issue through higher authorities and legal mechanisms. Police inaction is a violation of citizens’ rights, and there are several steps you can take to ensure your complaint is addressed.
π Step-by-Step Guide If ACP Does Not Work on Your Complaint ππ
π Step 1: Follow Up with the ACP (1-2 Days)
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Visit or Call the ACP’s Office and politely ask for an update.
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Send a formal email requesting action (keep proof of your email).
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Request an acknowledgment receipt (if given in person).
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If the ACP refuses to act, ask them to give the refusal in writing.
π If no response within 48 hours, escalate to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP).
π Step 2: Escalate to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) (2-3 Days)
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Visit the DCP office and submit a formal complaint.
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Attach all proof, including a copy of your complaint to the ACP.
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Request an acknowledgment receipt for your complaint.
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Mention that the ACP did not take action, and demand intervention.
π If the DCP ignores the case within 3 days, escalate to the Commissioner of Police (CP).
π Step 3: File a Complaint with the Commissioner of Police (CP) or SP (5-7 Days)
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Submit a detailed complaint explaining the lack of response from ACP/DCP.
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Attach FIR details (if filed), documents, and proof of inaction.
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Request an acknowledgment receipt.
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If necessary, send an email to the CP office (email IDs available on state police websites).
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Mention in your complaint that you will escalate further if no action is taken.
π If no response within 7 days, escalate to the Director General of Police (DGP).
π Step 4: Escalate to the Director General of Police (DGP) & Home Department (7-10 Days)
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Submit a complaint to the State DGPβs office with all previous complaint copies.
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Submit a grievance to the State Home Department (which oversees police administration).
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Attach emails, FIR copies, and any messages proving police inaction.
π If still no action, file a complaint with Human Rights Commission, RTI, or Judiciary.
π Step 5: File a Complaint with the National or State Human Rights Commission (NHRC / SHRC) (2-3 Weeks)
β If the police refuse to act, harass you, or violate your rights, file a complaint with:
- National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
π <a href=”https://nhrc.nic.in/”>https://nhrc.nic.in/</a> - State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) (State-level)
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Attach all documents, FIR details, and police response records.
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NHRC/SHRC can order the police to act or take disciplinary action against officers.
π If the case is serious, escalate it legally using RTI or courts.
π Step 6: File an RTI (Right to Information) Request (30 Days)
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File an RTI application to get the status of your FIR/investigation.
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Ask questions like:
- Why has my complaint not been acted upon?
- Who is responsible for the delay?
- What actions have been taken so far?
β The police must reply within 30 days under the Right to Information Act, 2005.
π If the police do not reply, escalate to the State Lokayukta (Anti-Corruption) or High Court.
π Step 7: File a Complaint with State Lokayukta or Vigilance Commission (2-4 Weeks)
β If police officers are corrupt, demanding bribes, or intentionally ignoring your case, file a complaint with:
- State Lokayukta (Anti-Corruption Body)
- Vigilance Commission of your state
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Attach all proof of police inaction and misconduct.
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Lokayukta can take direct action against negligent ACP/DCPs.
π If still no action, go to the High Court for legal intervention.
π Step 8: File a Writ Petition in the High Court (2-6 Months)
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File a Writ Petition in the High Court under CrPC Section 482 to direct the police to act.
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Hire a lawyer for legal representation.
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Attach all documents proving inaction, such as:
- ACP/DCP complaint copies
- FIR details
- RTI response
- Emails/messages proving police negligence
β The High Court can issue an order directing the police to act immediately.
π If the case is very serious, you can take it to the Supreme Court.
π Step 9: File a Contempt Petition in the Supreme Court (Final Step)
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If all state-level efforts fail, approach the Supreme Court of India.
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File a Contempt Petition against police officials for violating Supreme Court orders on FIR registration and investigation.
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This is useful for NRIs or cases where the police are completely negligent.
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The Supreme Court can summon senior police officials and order strict action.
π This is the last legal option if all previous steps fail.
π Summary Table: Escalation Steps & Timeframes
| Step | Authority to Contact | Action Required | Expected Response Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ACP (Assistant Commissioner of Police) | Follow up, request FIR action | 1-2 days |
| 2 | DCP (Deputy Commissioner of Police) | Submit a formal complaint | 2-3 days |
| 3 | Commissioner of Police (CP) | File complaint with CP office | 5-7 days |
| 4 | DGP & Home Department | Escalation to state authorities | 7-10 days |
| 5 | NHRC / SHRC | Human Rights Violation Complaint | 2-3 weeks |
| 6 | RTI (Right to Information Act) | Request FIR status & investigation details | 30 days |
| 7 | Lokayukta / Vigilance Commission | File corruption complaint | 2-4 weeks |
| 8 | High Court (Writ Petition) | Seek court intervention under CrPC 482 | 2-6 months |
| 9 | Supreme Court (Contempt Petition) | File case against police negligence | Varies |
π Conclusion
π If the ACP does not act on your complaint, you have multiple legal options to escalate the matter. You can approach senior police officials (DCP, CP, DGP), file an RTI, complain to NHRC, Lokayukta, or take legal action through the High Court and Supreme Court.
π¨ Never accept inactionβuse your rights to demand justice!