FIR and Police complaint are two different terms with different meanings.

Though they are related

to complaints, they have different offenses and complaints where FIR and police complaints are
registered accordingly.

FIR is related only to cognizable offences. Complaint includes both cognizable and noncognizable offences.
FIR is lodged in the presence of the in-charge of police station only, normally known as
SHO. Complaint is generally in the presence of a metropoliton magistrate by only the
agreived person. FIR can also be lodged by any non-agreived person.
The affected or witness of the incodent can Complaint.
The officer can file First Information Report.

A complaint is an allegation made orally or in writing to a Magistrate. The first

information is given in writing or orally to a Police Officer.

The Magistrate can take cognizance of an offence on a complaint, but not on a first
information.

. Any person can give the first information, but a complaint can be given only by a person
authorised under law under certain circumstances.

It is only when a valid complaint is given that the Court can take cognizance of it. The
first information, on the other hand, only empowers the Police Officer to start
investigation in cases of cognizable offences.