A police notice, criminal complaint or apprehension of arrest requires a clear account of the allegations and the present procedural position. Kothari & Jain advises on criminal matters from the initial assessment of a complaint through appropriate court proceedings, with attention to the immediate issue and the consistency of the wider case.
When to seek a focused review
Situations may include receipt of a police notice or summons, a complaint alleging cheating or breach of trust, a dispute involving documents or financial transactions, an existing criminal prosecution or the need to pursue a complaint supported by evidence. Advice may concern responses, bail-related applications, defence preparation and available remedies against proceedings or orders, depending on the facts and forum.
A financial or commercial disagreement should be examined carefully before being described as a criminal offence. Equally, calling a transaction “civil” does not by itself answer allegations supported by evidence. The legal ingredients, chronology, representations and conduct need separate assessment.
The applicable criminal-law framework
The Ministry of Home Affairs publishes the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023. Advice must identify the law applicable to the alleged conduct, evidence and proceedings, including transitional or savings provisions where relevant. Older section numbers should not simply be replaced in an existing matter without reviewing its dates and procedural history.
What to bring
Share the FIR or complaint if available, police notices, summons, court orders, bail documents and the case number. Prepare a dated chronology and identify the people, accounts and transactions involved. Contracts, bank statements, medical records and original electronic communications may be relevant depending on the allegation. Clearly distinguish what you personally know from what someone else has reported.
Preserve records in their original form and retain the full context of conversations. Do not alter documents or coordinate accounts with witnesses. Tell counsel about earlier statements, parallel civil or family proceedings and any previous applications, including those that were withdrawn or rejected. Incomplete disclosure can prevent an accurate assessment of the next step.
Planning the response
The initial review identifies the current stage, any attendance requirement or approaching date, existing restrictions and the relief that may be sought. Further work may include document analysis, a written response, preparation of an application or representation as agreed. For bail-related matters, the allegations, statutory framework, investigation stage and individual circumstances all matter. No outcome or fixed disposal time can responsibly be promised.
Common questions
Should I ignore a notice if the allegation is false?
No. Have the notice and its requirements reviewed promptly. A defence on the merits and compliance with a procedural requirement are separate issues.
Will a private settlement end the criminal case?
Not automatically. The offence, stage and legally available route require examination, and a court order may be necessary.
Can advice begin without the FIR copy?
An initial assessment can use the information available, but missing official records must be obtained or verified before firm conclusions are drawn.
Discuss your matter
Contact the firm to arrange a consultation and confirm the documents required. Call +91 87936 60616 or +91 78877 18191. Please initially share the parties’ names, a brief description and any approaching deadline; detailed records can follow after the preliminary conflict check.
Official legal references
References reviewed on 11 October 2026. This overview is general information; the applicable law and remedy depend on the facts and dates of the matter.