Police must consider complaints and communicate the outcome within 60 days.

The petitioner alleged that he had submitted complaints dated 31 March 2026 and 29 June 2026 to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone 4, Indore, and the Station House Officer, Chandan Nagar Police Station, concerning alleged cognizable offences under Sections 318(4), 316(2), 296, 308 and 351 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

He contended that no action had been taken despite the passage of five months and sought a time-bound direction for their consideration, relying on Lalita Kumari and Rajendra Singh Pawar.

1. Whether the Station House Officer should be directed to consider the petitioner’s complaints and take appropriate action in accordance with law.

2. Whether the petitioner should be informed of the result of the scrutiny and action taken on the complaints.

Article 226 of the Constitution of India empowers the High Court to issue appropriate directions to public authorities.

Relying on Rajendra Singh Pawar & Ors. v. State of M.P. & Ors., (2021) 2 MPLJ 100, the Court reiterated that police must examine complaints to determine whether they disclose a cognizable offence; register an FIR where required or otherwise proceed in accordance with law; inform the complainant of the result; and process complaints within the stipulated period, ordinarily 15 days and, where necessary, no later than 42 days.

The petitioner also relied on Lalita Kumari, as reflected in the relief sought.

The petitioner alleged that his complaints had remained without action for five months, exceeding the timelines and complaint-processing requirements reiterated in Rajendra Singh Pawar.

The Court did not determine whether the complaints established a cognizable offence; instead, it directed the competent police officer to scrutinize them and take appropriate action in accordance with the principles set out in that precedent, while communicating the result to the petitioner.

The result of the scrutiny and the action taken were to be conveyed to the petitioner.