What should I do?

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General information, not legal advice. This guide explains the usual steps in plain words. Every case has its own facts, and the law and the rules change. For a serious matter, speak to a lawyer. If you cannot afford one, you may get one free: call 15100. Last checked November 2026.

Police and crime

FIR, police not listening, complaints against police

Register an FIR, or what to do if the police refuseA police complaint for a serious offence. The police must write it down. If they refuse, you have four more doors.Complain against the police, or custodial violenceFor torture, a death in custody or police misconduct: the SP, a Magistrate, the human rights commission and the High Court.

Arrest and bail

Your rights if arrested, how bail works

Arrested or detained: your rightsWhat the police must tell you, who you may call, and when you must be brought before a Magistrate.Bail: how it works and where to applyFor a bailable offence, bail is a right. For others, a court decides. There is also bail before arrest.

Money, fraud and consumers

Online fraud, bounced cheque, bank and shop disputes

Online fraud or money lost: first hour checklistSpeed matters. Call 1930 at once, tell your bank, then file the complaint.A cheque bounced: what to do and by whenThree dates decide the case: 30 days for the notice, 15 days for payment, one month to file.Consumer complaint: defective goods, poor service, refundsWrite to the seller first, then file online with the consumer commission. A small fee, or none, and no lawyer is needed.Bank, loan or wallet problem: how to escalateFirst complain to the bank. If nothing happens in 30 days, the Reserve Bank's Ombudsman will take it up, free.

Family, women and work

Violence at home, maintenance, harassment at work

Violence or cruelty at home (for women)Two routes that can run together: a civil order for protection and a home, and a criminal case for cruelty.Maintenance for wife, children or parentsA Magistrate can order a monthly allowance from a person with enough means who refuses to support dependants.Sexual harassment at work (for women)Complain in writing to the Internal Committee within 3 months. You can also go to the police.

Government and information

Ask the government for records

Ask the government for information (RTI)Any citizen can ask any government office for records. Rs 10, no reason needed, answer within 30 days.

Free help and helplines

Free lawyer, emergency numbers

Get a free lawyer (legal aid)If you are a woman, a child, in custody, SC or ST, disabled or on a low income, the State pays for your lawyer.

Helpline numbers

112	Emergency: police, fire, ambulance, anywhere in India
1930	Cyber fraud, money lost online
181	Women Helpline, including domestic violence
1091	Women in distress (state police)
7827170170	National Commission for Women helpline
1098	Childline
15100	Free legal aid, NALSA
1915	National Consumer Helpline
14567	Elderline, senior citizens
14448	Reserve Bank contact centre, bank complaints
14433	National Human Rights Commission

Numbers checked against government directories in November 2026. Numbers can change, so check before relying on one.