How do I know what the sections in my FIR mean?

Copy the section numbers from your FIR (for example 420, 406, 498A) and paste them into the FIR Decoder above. It shows each section's offence name, punishment, the new BNS 2023 number, and whether it is bailable and cognisable.

Does an FIR mean I am guilty?

No. An FIR (First Information Report) is only the registration of a complaint to start a police investigation. Guilt is decided only by a court after trial. You have rights including bail and, in some cases, anticipatory bail or quashing of the FIR.

What does it mean if my FIR has a non-bailable section?

In a non-bailable offence, bail is not a matter of right — it is granted at the court's discretion. The police can also arrest without a warrant if the offence is cognisable. It is advisable to consult an advocate quickly about bail or anticipatory bail.

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FIR Decoder

Worried about an FIR? Paste its sections and instantly understand each one — offence, punishment, bailable or not, cognisable or not — under IPC and the new BNS 2023.

Paste your FIR / chargesheet sections

DisclaimerThis tool gives general information only and is not legal advice. Bailability and procedure can change based on facts and court rulings. For any real FIR, consult a qualified advocate.

What is an FIR and how to read it

A First Information Report (FIR) lists the sections of law the police believe apply to the alleged offence. Since 1 July 2024, new FIRs cite the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 instead of the IPC — but older cases still use IPC numbers. This decoder maps both, so whether your FIR says IPC 420 or BNS 318, you instantly see the offence, punishment and whether it is bailable.