A 'general inquiry' call from the police station is where cases are quietly made — or avoided. Whether you must go, what to bring, how questioning works, and the statement discipline that protects you.
Most criminal cases do not begin with handcuffs — they begin with a phone call asking you to 'come to the station for a general inquiry.' How you handle that invitation often decides whether you leave as a witness, return as a suspect, or never become an accused at all. This guide explains the summons stage and how to navigate it.
Must you go?
Police may request your presence to assist an investigation, and cooperating is generally advisable — refusal can itself invite suspicion and, in some situations, coercive process. But 'must' depends on the instrument: an informal call is a request, while a written summons or order carries compulsion. Ask politely which it is, what matter it concerns, and whether you are being called as witness or suspect. Then call an advocate before you go.
Prepare like it matters — it does
Reconstruct your timeline of the events in question while memory is fresh, and gather supporting documents (messages, receipts, location records, contracts). Brief your advocate on the full unvarnished facts — surprises mid-questioning destroy strategy. Carry citizenship identification, and arrange for counsel to accompany you; an advocate's presence at questioning is routine and proper.
How questioning works
Investigators will record your statement, may confront you with documents or other accounts, and will note demeanour as well as words. Answer truthfully and precisely: volunteer nothing beyond the question, guess at nothing, and where you do not remember, say so. You hold the constitutional right against self-incrimination and the right to counsel — invoke either clearly if questioning turns accusatory.
The three fatal errors
First, improvising facts to sound helpful — inconsistencies become exhibits. Second, signing statements without reading them fully, including the Nepali wording, not just any summary offered. Third, contacting complainants or witnesses afterwards to 'sort it out' — lawful compromise runs through counsel, while direct pressure reads as tampering and can itself become a charge.
After questioning
Debrief your advocate the same day while recall is exact: what was asked, what you answered, what was signed, and what officers said about next steps. If released, diary any return dates and preserve all evidence discussed. If the matter escalates toward FIR or arrest, the groundwork laid at summons stage — counsel engaged, facts fixed, documents ready — becomes the defence's head start.
Key takeaways
- Clarify whether the call is a request or a compulsion — then brief counsel
- Attend with an advocate; answer precisely, volunteer nothing, guess at nothing
- Read every statement fully before signing, including the Nepali text
- Never contact complainants directly — compromise runs through counsel
General information for public awareness — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an advocate →
Frequently asked questions
Can I refuse to go to the police station?
An informal request can be negotiated (timing, counsel present), but ignoring police contact entirely risks escalation including compelled appearance. The correct move is to attend prepared and represented, not to evade.
Will there be a record of my questioning?
Yes — statements are recorded and may be used in the investigation file. Assume everything said is on the record and conduct yourself accordingly.
Should I bring documents to help myself?
Bring exculpatory documents, but disclose them through counsel strategically — dumping your whole file unfiltered can hand investigators leads they did not have.
References
- National Criminal Procedure (Code) Act, 2074, Ch. 2 — investigation powers and statements
- Constitution of Nepal, 2072, Art. 20 — counsel and self-incrimination rights
- Evidence Act, 2031 — admissibility of statements
Verify current wording and commencement at the Nepal Law Commission (lawcommission.gov.np) before relying on any provision. Reviewed by a Nepal-qualified advocate in June 2026.