Filing a First Information Report (F.I.R)

1. Who can lodge an F.I.R?

Any person who is aware about the offence can file an F.I.R. It is not compulsory that he should be an aggrieved person. Even a police officer can file an F.I.R. if he comes to know about any offence. The F.I.R. can be filed by various people like:

• An aggrieved person.
• A person who is aware about the facts of the crime.
• A person who has seen a crime being committed.

2. When can I lodge an F.I.R?

You can lodge an F.I.R only in case of a cognizable offence.

A cognizable offence is a criminal offence in which the police are empowered to register an FIR, investigate, and arrest an accused without a court issued warrant. Offences like murder, rape, kidnapping, theft, robbery, fraud, etc. are classified as cognizable offences.

A non-cognizable offence is an offence in which the police can neither register an FIR, nor effect arrest without the express permission or directions from the court. Offences like simple hurt, verbal abuse, intimidation, defamation, misappropriation of property, physical assault, forgery, etc. are non-cognizable offences.

3. Where can I lodge an F.I.R?

To file an FIR, one has to go to the police station within the jurisdiction of which the cause of action arose or the offence took place.

4. How do I lodge an F.I.R?

• To file an FIR, one has to go to the police station within the jurisdiction of which the cause of action arose or the offence took place.
• Every piece of information relating to the commission of offence is to be given to the officer in-charge of the police station. If it is given orally to the officer, he shall reduce it to writing and read it over to the informant to confirm and verify the details.
• Every such information has to be signed by the informant after which it is required to be recorded by the officer in a book maintained for this purpose as prescribed by the State Government.
• The informant is entitled to receive a copy of the FIR free of cost.
• If the officer in-charge of the police station refuses to record the information, you can send the substance of such information, in writing and by post to the Superintendent of Police (SP) concerned. The SP is required to start the investigation himself or direct any other officer subordinate to him to start the investigation. 

5. Do I have to pay for lodging an F.I.R?

No. You do not have to pay a single penny to lodge an F.I.R. It is free of cost.

6. What are the things I should ensure while the F.I.R is being lodged?

While lodging an F.I.R you must ensure the following:

• There should be four copies being recorded simultaneously, with carbon sheets in place.
• Language is important. It must be recorded in first person.
• Try not to over write or score out.
• Try to use simple words.
• Ensure that the arrival / departure time is mentioned in the FIR and in the Daily Diary Register at the Police Station
• Carefully read the document before signing.

7. What do I do if the police department does not consider my F.I.R?

If the officer in-charge of the police station refuses to record the information, you can send the substance of such information, in writing and by post to the Superintendent of Police (SP) concerned. The SP is required to start the investigation himself or direct any other officer subordinate to him to start the investigation. 

8. What happens to the F.I.R finally?

• When there is sufficient evidence a CHALLAN is prepared.
• When there is insufficient evidence, F.I.R is declared as UNNTRACEABLE.
• When FIR is found to be false or is transferred to other Police Station on point of jurisdiction, it is declared as CANCELLED.
• After registering the F.I.R the contents of the F.I.R cannot be changed. Only High Court can quash the F.I.R.