22A 22B Petition Format in Pakistan – FIR Registration Application, Draft & Procedure

Complete Practical Guide for Justice of Peace Application and FIR Registration Process

If the police refuse to register an FIR despite a complaint about a cognizable offence, one of the most commonly used legal remedies in Pakistan is an application under Sections 22-A and 22-B of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898. In practical legal language, people often call it a 22A 22B petition, a Justice of Peace application, or an FIR registration petition under 22A 22B. This remedy is generally used when the complainant believes that the police are not performing their legal duty to record information about a cognizable offence and proceed according to law.

This topic is important because many people do not know what to do after the police decline to register their complaint. Some keep visiting the police station repeatedly without any result. Others do not understand whether they should approach a senior police officer, move a petition, or wait for further action. A properly written 22A 22B petition helps organize the facts, explain the refusal or inaction of the police, and request lawful directions from the relevant forum.

At the same time, it is necessary to understand that a 22A 22B petition is not a shortcut for every dispute. It is mainly used when the matter involves a complaint showing a cognizable offence and the police have failed to register the FIR. It is not meant to turn every personal disagreement, money issue, or civil matter into a criminal case. That is why useful content on this topic should not only give a draft format, but also explain when the petition can be used, what documents are needed, how the format is structured, and what practical points the applicant should keep in mind before filing it.

What Are Sections 22A and 22B CrPC?

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Sections 22-A and 22-B of the Criminal Procedure Code deal with the powers and duties of Justices of the Peace. In common legal practice in Pakistan, these sections are often discussed in connection with the role of the Ex-Officio Justice of Peace, usually functioning through the Sessions Court structure. When people search for section 22a petition format or application under section 22a crpc, they are usually looking for a remedy against the refusal of the police to register an FIR.

In simple words, this legal mechanism gives an aggrieved person a forum to approach when the ordinary police process is not working properly. The applicant places the facts before the forum, explains that the police have not taken lawful action, and asks for appropriate directions. That is why this remedy is especially relevant in FIR-related matters.

When Is a 22A Petition Filed?

A 22A petition is usually filed when the complainant has already approached the police station with a complaint, but the police have not registered the FIR or have not responded properly. In practical terms, this remedy is most useful where the complainant says that the facts disclose a cognizable offence, yet the police are refusing to act.

The normal practical sequence is this: first, the complainant tries to report the matter to the relevant police station. If the police do not register the FIR or fail to respond lawfully, the complainant may then move an application under Sections 22-A and 22-B before the appropriate forum. This sequence is important because it shows that the applicant first tried the ordinary channel before seeking legal intervention.

Why People File 22A 22B for FIR Registration

The most common reason for filing such a petition is non-registration of an FIR. Many users search phrases like 22a 22b for FIR registration, 22a petition for FIR registration, and fir registration petition under 22a 22b because that is the area where this remedy is most commonly used. If a complaint clearly alleges a cognizable offence but the police are not recording it, the complainant may ask the relevant forum to direct the concerned police officer to proceed according to law.

This does not mean every complaint will automatically succeed. The facts still matter. The forum can look at whether the allegations are specific, whether the police were actually approached, and whether the matter genuinely calls for registration of an FIR. That is why careful drafting and proper documents are important.

Quick Overview

Who Can File a 22A 22B Petition?

Usually, the person who says they are aggrieved by the commission of an offence and the refusal of the police to act can file the petition. In many cases, the complainant files it through an advocate because legal drafting, annexures, and proper presentation of facts can make a real difference. In simple public guidance, the petitioner is usually the complainant, while the respondents commonly include the State and the concerned police officials.

Required Documents for 22A 22B Petition

One of the most useful sections in any article on this topic is the document list. People often understand the concept of the petition, but they do not know what papers to attach. While exact filing practice may vary slightly, the following documents are commonly useful:

Personal Documents

• Copy of the petitioner’s CNIC
• Basic petitioner details, including address and contact information
• Vakalatnama if the matter is filed through an advocate

Complaint-Related Documents

• Copy of the written complaint made to the police station
• Any receipt, diary number, or acknowledgment, if available
• Copies of any complaint made to higher police officers, if relevant

Supporting Evidence

• Photographs, screenshots, videos, or recordings if relevant
• Medical reports, injury reports, or MLC where applicable
• Property documents, transaction papers, or other relevant records depending on facts
• Witness details, if available

A petition becomes much stronger when it shows not only the alleged offence, but also the complainant’s earlier effort to seek action from the police. That is why copies of prior applications and supporting annexures are important.

22A 22B Petition Format in Pakistan

This is the main section users usually search for. However, instead of only giving a rough draft, it is better to explain the full structure of a professional petition. A standard 22A 22B petition format generally includes the following parts:

Basic Draft Structure for Users

A general public-friendly draft structure can be understood like this:

1. Court Title

At the top, the petition usually begins with the name of the court or forum, for example the court of the Ex-Officio Justice of Peace or the relevant Sessions Judge of the district.

2. Parties

This section names the petitioner and the respondents. The petitioner is usually the complainant. The respondents may include the State, the SHO concerned, and any other relevant police authority.

3. Subject / Heading

The petition should clearly state that it is an application under Sections 22-A and 22-B CrPC seeking direction regarding FIR registration or police inaction.

4. Facts of the Case

This section should explain the incident in clear chronological order. It should mention the date, time, place, persons involved, and the role of the accused according to the complainant. This is one of the most important parts of the petition and should be written carefully.

5. Complaint to Police

The petitioner should explain when and how the matter was reported to the police and what response was received. If the police refused, delayed, or ignored the complaint, that fact should be clearly mentioned.

6. Grounds

This section explains why the petitioner is legally entitled to relief. It usually includes the argument that a cognizable offence is disclosed and that police inaction is unlawful or unjustified.

7. Prayer Clause

This is where the petitioner states what relief is being requested. The prayer generally asks that the concerned SHO be directed to register the FIR and proceed according to law.

8. Verification

The petition normally ends with verification that the contents are true to the best of the petitioner’s knowledge and belief.

How to Write the Facts Properly

Many weak petitions fail because they do not present facts properly. A good petition should avoid emotional storytelling and should focus on clear, relevant facts. The reader should be able to understand the matter quickly.

The facts section should answer these questions:

• What exactly happened?
• When did it happen?
• Where did it happen?
• Who was involved?
• What offence is alleged?
• When was the matter reported to police?
• How did the police respond?

If the facts are vague, contradictory, or incomplete, the petition becomes weaker. That is why structured drafting is important.

Grounds in a 22A Petition

The grounds section should explain the legal basis of the request. In a professional petition, the grounds often include points like these:

• The complaint discloses commission of a cognizable offence.
• The petitioner approached the police, but no lawful action was taken.
• The refusal or inaction of the police is against law.
• The petitioner has no effective relief through ordinary police inaction.
• The intervention of the Ex-Officio Justice of Peace is required in the interest of justice.

The grounds should remain formal and should directly relate to the facts of the case.

Prayer Clause in 22A 22B Petition

The prayer clause should be short, clear, and specific. In most FIR-registration cases, the petitioner asks the forum to direct the concerned SHO to register the FIR on the complaint and proceed according to law. The petitioner may also request any other relief that the forum considers just and proper in the circumstances.

How to File 22A Petition Step by Step

For ordinary users, the filing process can be explained in practical steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Complaint Record

Keep copies of the complaint made to the police station and collect any acknowledgment or receipt if available.

Step 2: Collect Supporting Evidence

Arrange your documents in order, including CNIC copy, incident-related documents, screenshots, medical reports, witness details, or other relevant annexures.

Step 3: Draft the Petition

Prepare the petition in proper format with title, facts, police inaction, grounds, prayer, and verification.

Step 4: Attach Annexures

Mark your documents clearly and attach them with the petition so the forum can understand your case more easily.

Step 5: File Before the Relevant Forum

Submit the petition before the appropriate Ex-Officio Justice of Peace or Sessions Court forum in the relevant district.

Step 6: Attend Proceedings

Appear personally or through your lawyer, explain the matter properly, and rely on your attached documents.

22A 22B Petition Format Urdu – User Guidance

Many users also search for 22a 22b petition format urdu, so it is helpful to explain the concept briefly in Urdu as well:

22A / 22B درخواست کیا ہے؟
یہ ایسی درخواست ہے جو اس وقت دائر کی جاتی ہے جب پولیس قابلِ دست اندازی جرم کے باوجود ایف آئی آر درج نہ کرے۔

اس میں کیا مانگا جاتا ہے؟
عام طور پر درخواست گزار متعلقہ SHO کو ایف آئی آر درج کرنے اور قانون کے مطابق کارروائی کرنے کی ہدایت مانگتا ہے۔

کون سی چیزیں ساتھ لگتی ہیں؟
شناختی کارڈ، پولیس کو دی گئی درخواست، اس کی وصولی اگر موجود ہو، اور واقعہ سے متعلق ثبوت۔

Common Mistakes in 22A 22B Petitions

There are some common mistakes that can weaken a petition:

• No proof that the police were approached first
• Facts are too vague or contradictory
• No date, place, or clear role of accused is mentioned
• The matter is mostly civil, but is presented as a criminal FIR issue without proper basis
• No documents or annexures are attached
• The prayer clause is unclear
• The petition contains too much emotion and too little factual detail

A useful article should warn users about these issues because they directly affect the strength of the application.

Important Practical Points Before Filing

Before filing a 22A 22B petition, the applicant should keep a few practical things in mind:

• Do not file a false or exaggerated petition.
• Do not hide earlier complaints or important facts.
• Do not assume every private dispute becomes an FIR matter.
• Keep your facts short, clear, and supported by documents.
• If the matter is serious, get the draft reviewed by a lawyer.

Final Words

A 22A 22B petition in Pakistan is an important legal remedy for complainants who say that the police have unlawfully refused to register an FIR in a cognizable offence matter. The most useful way to understand this topic is not just to memorize a sample draft, but to know the full process: what the petition is, when it is filed, what documents are needed, how the format is structured, and what relief can be requested.

If you are preparing a page for users, the best content is the one that gives both the petition format and the practical procedure. That way, readers do not only see a draft structure, but also understand when and how to use it properly.

22A 22B Petition Format Download

Editable Word Template for FIR Registration Petition in Pakistan

If you are looking for a ready-made 22A 22B petition format in Pakistan, you can download the Word file below and use it as a basic pattern for your case. This template is designed to help users understand the usual structure of a Justice of Peace application for FIR registration.

You can download the format, open it in Microsoft Word, and add your own details such as your name, address, incident facts, police complaint details, respondents, and prayer clause. This makes the process easier for users who want a simple and professional petition pattern before final review.

Important Note: This is a general sample format for guidance only. Before filing any petition in court, it is always better to review the draft carefully and, where needed, get it checked by a qualified lawyer according to your case facts.

Download the template, fill in your own information, and use it as a helpful petition drafting pattern.