It is a legal remedy for an accused person to challenge a Police Closure Report (Final Report). When the police file a report stating “No Evidence” or “False/Untrue,” the informant can file a Protest Petition. However, this guide focuses on the accused’s perspective — though the format remains similar for either party.
| Scenario | Magistrate’s Action | | :--- | :--- | | 1. Magistrate agrees with police | Issues notice to complainant. If complainant fails to prove otherwise, the court accepts the closure report and closes the case. | | 2. Magistrate finds prima facie merit in protest | Treats the protest petition as a complaint case. Proceeds under Section 200 CrPC (examines complainant on oath) and issues process against accused. | | 3. Magistrate finds investigation deficient | Passes a speaking order rejecting the police report and orders "Further Investigation" (new IO, fresh evidence). | sample format of protest petition full
Includes the name of the court, the case/FIR number, the police station involved, and the names of the parties (State vs. Accused). The Introduction: Guide to Drafting a Protest Petition 1
VERIFICATION (if required by court)
Background: Brief facts of the original First Information Report (FIR) and the investigation. When the police file a report stating “No