Whether you want to report an offence or you have been named in an FIR in Bengaluru, the new criminal laws set out your rights at every stage. This page explains them and helps you reach an enrolled advocate.
In Bangalore, a person arrested by the Bengaluru City Police is produced before the Magistrate, and regular bail for most offences is first sought there. Criminal Lawyers in Bangalore advise on the law, draft the papers and appear for you. Booking a first consultation with an enrolled advocate through Mara Vakil is free.
Criminal matters in Bengaluru come from every part of city life. Some people want to report cheating by a business associate, an assault, theft, or threats from a neighbour, and find the police reluctant to register a case. Others are suddenly named in an FIR after a family dispute, a workplace conflict or a failed investment. Online fraud, impersonation and financial crimes are frequent in a city where so much business happens digitally. Cheque bounce complaints under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act also make up a large part of the work in the city's Magistrate courts. In each of these situations the first written version given to the police matters a great deal, so the facts should be set down carefully and in order.
Since 1 July 2024, offences are defined by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), procedure is governed by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), and evidence by the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA). For example, cheating is now covered by Section 318 BNS (old Section 420 IPC). Matters registered before that date continue under the IPC and CrPC. Under Section 173 BNSS (old Section 154 CrPC), information about a cognizable offence must be recorded, including as a Zero FIR at any police station, which then transfers it to the station with jurisdiction. The new laws also allow for electronic FIRs in some situations, video recording of searches and wider use of electronic evidence, which makes digital records especially important.
If the police refuse to register an FIR, the complainant can approach the Deputy Commissioner of Police and then the Magistrate, who may direct investigation under Section 175(3) BNSS (old Section 156(3) CrPC). A person accused of an offence has the right to know the grounds of arrest, to consult an advocate and to be produced before a Magistrate within 24 hours. Where an FIR is plainly an abuse of process or the dispute has been genuinely settled, the High Court can quash it under its inherent powers, now found in Section 528 BNSS (old Section 482 CrPC). Victims also have rights, including the right to receive a free copy of the FIR, to be informed of the progress of investigation, and to seek compensation under the victim compensation scheme.
Most criminal cases in Bengaluru begin before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate or one of the Metropolitan Magistrate Courts, which handle remand, bail in many cases, private complaints, cheque bounce cases and trials of offences triable by a Magistrate. Serious offences are committed to the City Civil and Sessions Court, Bengaluru, for trial by a Sessions Judge. Investigation is carried out by Bengaluru City Police, with cyber, economic and narcotics matters generally handled by the CEN police stations. Certain categories of cases, such as those under the POCSO Act, NDPS Act or special economic laws, are tried by designated Special Courts within the city.
A conviction or acquittal by a Magistrate can be appealed to the Sessions Court, and a Sessions Court judgment to the Karnataka High Court in Bengaluru. The High Court also hears revision petitions, petitions to quash FIRs or proceedings, and applications to transfer investigation. Appeals to the Supreme Court are possible in limited circumstances. Because jurisdiction depends on where the offence took place and the police station involved, your advocate will confirm the correct court. A complainant who is unhappy with the police investigation can also ask the Magistrate for further investigation before the trial begins.
Karnataka High Court (Bengaluru)
Magistrate Courts and Sessions Courts; the High Court for quashing petitions and appeals
Kannada, English and Hindi
Choose an advocate who regularly appears in the Magistrate and Sessions Courts in Bengaluru and, where needed, in the Karnataka High Court for quashing or appeals. The advocate should explain how the new BNS, BNSS and BSA provisions apply to your case, and what will continue under the old law if the FIR is older. Ask for their enrolment number and check it with the Karnataka State Bar Council before you engage them. A clear explanation of the likely timeline, from investigation to trial, will help you plan work and travel during the case.
Criminal cases can last a long time, so agree the fee and scope of work in writing, stage by stage, including bail, trial and any appeal or quashing petition. Fees depend on the advocate and the matter, and you should collect a receipt for every payment. Mara Vakil charges clients nothing to find or consult advocates; it is an information and connection platform, not a law firm, and it helps you book a free first consultation with an enrolled advocate. Share every notice, summons and order with your advocate as soon as you receive it.
On Mara Vakil you describe your matter once and enrolled advocates who handle criminal matters in Bangalore can accept it and call you. Mara Vakil charges clients nothing to find or consult advocates. Send your matter →
You can send the complaint in writing to the Deputy Commissioner of Police. If that fails, you can file a complaint before the Magistrate, who may direct the police to investigate under Section 175(3) BNSS.
It is an FIR registered at any police station regardless of where the offence happened. The station must then transfer it to the police station that has jurisdiction for investigation.
Yes, the High Court can quash an FIR or criminal proceedings under Section 528 BNSS where they disclose no offence, are an abuse of process, or, in suitable cases, where the parties have settled a largely private dispute.
Offences committed on or after 1 July 2024 are dealt with under the BNS, BNSS and BSA. Offences committed before that date generally continue under the IPC and the old procedure.
Send a legal notice within 30 days of receiving the bank's return memo. If the amount is not paid within 15 days of the notice, a complaint under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act can be filed within one month after that.
No. Mara Vakil is free for clients. You can book a free consultation, and any fee for the case is agreed directly and in writing with the advocate.
Other help in Bangalore:
Criminal Lawyer in other cities:
Guide: Read the step-by-step guide
This page gives general information about the law in Bangalore, Karnataka. It is not legal advice and is not an advertisement or solicitation by any advocate. Laws and court practice change; confirm details with an advocate before acting. Mara Vakil is a technology platform, not a law firm. Read our disclaimer.
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