VIJAYAWADA: The widespread practice of police failing to provide acknowledgement copies for written complaints at police stations across the State is drawing criticism from the public, legal experts and human rights activists, who call the negligence a clear violation of established law and Supreme Court guidelines.
As per the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), an acknowledgement copy is a crucial document ensuring accountability and transparency in police procedures, particularly regarding the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs) and service of summons.
Accordingly, every complainant has the right to receive an acknowledgement copy, often referred to as a ‘complaint receiving’ copy, immediately after submitting a written complaint at a police station. This document typically records key details such as the complainant’s name, date of submission, police station details, and a brief description of the grievance.
It serves as proof of submission and enables citizens to track the progress of their complaint, including whether an FIR has been registered.
Despite these legal safeguards, the practice is reportedly absent in many of the State’s approximately 1,020 police stations.
Activists argue that the absence of acknowledgement copies creates room for delays or denial in FIR registration, particularly in the sensitive cases.
‘Workload is the reason for violation of rules’
“It is a violation of procedure established by law. Without an acknowledgement, complainants are often forced to run from pillar to post,” said Gutta Rohit of the Human Rights Forum. He added that issuing such copies would ensure accountability and compel police to act within a stipulated time frame.
In addition, experts insist that administrative convenience cannot override statutory obligations, warning that failure to provide acknowledgement receipts undermines transparency, weakens accountability, and ultimately denies timely justice to citizens, opined an expert, a retired police officer.
Interestingly, the issue highlights a contrast with digital grievance systems such as Public Grievance Redressal Systems (PGRS), where complainants automatically receive digital acknowledgements for online submissions.
When TNIE contacted a senior police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, he said many complaints are either resolved immediately or forwarded to the appropriate authorities, reducing the perceived need to issue acknowledgement copies. He also cited increasing workload on police personnel and procedural delays as key reasons for the declining practice.
“With a large number of complaints now being received through PGRS and other online portals, issuing acknowledgement copies has become an additional burden on the police. But we are ensuring all complaints received at police stations are addressed within the stipulated time, giving relief to complainants,” he said. However, there are legal provisions mandating that police must register an FIR for cognisable offences and provide a free copy to the complainant.