For your information
What is an FIR?
First Information Report (FIR) is a written document prepared by the police when they receive information about the commission of a cognizable offence. It is a report of information that reaches the police first in point of time and that is why it is called the First Information Report. It is generally a complaint lodged with the police by the victim of a cognizable offence or by someone on his/her behalf. Anyone can report the commission of a cognizable offence either orally or in writing to the police. Even a telephonic message can be treated as an FIR. An FIR is a very important document as it sets the process of criminal justice in motion. It is only after the FIR is registered in the police station that the police takes up investigation of the case.
Who can lodge an FIR?
Anyone who knows about the commission of a cognizable offence can file an FIR. It is not necessary that only the victim of the crime should file an FIR. A police officer who comes to know about a cognizable offence can file an FIR himself/herself. You can file an FIR if:
-You are the person against whom the offence has been committed
-You know yourself about an offence, which has been committed
-You have seen the offence being committed.
What is the procedure of filing an FIR?
The procedure of filing an FIR is prescribed in Section 154 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
-When information about the commission of a cognizable offence is given orally, the police must write it down.
-It is your right as a person giving information or making a complaint to demand that the information recorded by the police is read over to you.
-Once the information has been recorded by the police, it must be signed by the person giving the information.
-You should sign the report only after verifying that the information recorded by the police is as per the details given by you.
-People who cannot read or write must put their left thumb impression on the document after being satisfied that it is a correct record.
-Always ask for a copy of the FIR, if the police do not give it to you. It is your right to get it free of cost.
What should you mention in the FIR?
-Your name and address
-Date, time and location of the incident you are reporting
-The true facts of the incident as they occurred
-Names and descriptions of the persons involved in the incident
Compiled by Law Desk .
