In India, the most critical step to record any crime is by filing an FIR (First Information Report). Technology has improved, and the procedure to file an FIR has become quite easy through online means, and victims or informers do not need to go to a police station to lodge the complaint. This article gives insight into filing an FIR and covers all the important and other details including online, and offline filing,, and procedures that can be performed, in one comprehensive guide, that is SEO-optimised to suit the requirements of the audience.
What Is an FIR?
In simple terms, an FIR is a paper meant to document the details rigorously about a specific crime or offense, and it’s the very first paper to be filed in courts. Section 154 Criminal Procedure Code 1973 states that an FIR must capture the following information:
- Nature of the crime.
- Date, time, and place of the crime
- Police Futures Act including Sections 9 and 23 provides legal details of Evidence Support for courts. If there are any parties involved in the incident (to their knowledge).
Apart from the above-mentioned features, other requirements could be:
Filing an FIR is a requisite to start any inquiries at the police for certain categories of crimes, thefts, assaults, or even murders among others.
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What Is a Police Complaint?
A police complaint is written information of an offense or crime by any individual to a law enforcement officer. A police complaint does not encourage an investigation almost always as opposed to an FIRs which does not in the sense that it overrides unactionable crime usually.
Benefits of Filing an FIR Online
There are many merits to the online filing of an FIRs today as follows:
- Convenience: It Makes it easier for victims to file an FIR from their houses.
- Accessibility: It Helps people who cannot access a police station such as people in remote areas.
- Real-Time Reporting: It Removes Bringing in complaints and allows them to be registered immediately.
- Enhanced Transparency: This Improved Contrast provides Complainants with a Case Reference number to ease tracking down their said case.
How to File an FIR Online in India
General Steps for Online FIR Filing
- Go to State Police Website: Go to the web page of the state police department where the crime happened.
- Find the E-FIR Part: Many portals have a specific part for e-FIRs or e-complaints.
- Fill Out Form: Include all necessary personal details, the incident, and any evidence, if available.
- Verification: After filling in the form, one must verify through OTP or email, and submit the form.
- Acknowledgement: An acknowledgment number or e-FIR will be sent to you through email or SMS.
State-Specific FIR Filing Processes
- Delhi
- You can visit the Delhi Police’s Official Website.
- Choose “Lost & Found” or “Register Complaint.
- Provide details like name, address, and description of the matter.
- The completed form can then be submitted for a copy of the e-FIRs to be sent through email.
- Mumbai
- The Mumbai Police Website needs to be visited.
- Proceed by completing the complaint form which includes your name and police station, including other necessary details as well.
- The form can then be submitted to attain a complaint number alongside your submitted information.
- Kolkata
- Using a compatible device, access to the Kolkata Police Portal.
- Select “Report a Crime” then proceed to provide the necessary options.
- The form is completed by email confirmation.
- Chennai
- Using a browser of your choice, go to the Tamil Nadu Police Website.
- You can then proceed by selecting either “Information” or “Complaints”, further filings of the FIRs will follow.
- Follow the remaining steps additionally required to complete the process.
- Uttar Pradesh
- Visit the Online Portal for Uttar Pradesh, UP Police Official Website.
- Go to Citizen Services, and from there you will be able to register for an FIR.
- Fill out the e-form and check your email to find a verified FIRs download link.
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Documents Required to File an FIR Online
To submit an e-FIR, it may be possible that you have the following uploaded:
- Your details such as name, address, and contact numbers.
- Date, time, and location where the incident took place.
- An Aadhaar card or any other form of ID.
- Information explaining the type of crime or offense.
- If applicable, the contact details of witnesses.
Offline Process for Filing an FIR
If electronic filing cannot be done, you can go to the nearest police station and file the FIR there.
Steps for Filing an FIR Offline
- Visit the Police Station: The jurisdiction of the police station should encompass the region in which the crime was committed.
- Provide Details: New narratives of the incident should be told to the police officer.
- Record the FIR: The officer should be told the importance of accurately writing down the details.
- Obtain a Copy: A signed and stamped copy of the FIRs can be requested to keep for oneself.
Understanding NCR vs. FIR
Non-Cognizable Report (NCR)
Homicides and property theft are considered serious and the person wishing to report these crimes first registers an NCR, which stands for non-faxable crimes.
Small losses like a lost item do not require the police to make an investigation but do require the filing of an NCR.
FIR
Serious crimes, theft, or murder are first submitted to the police station with a written FIR.
Tips for Filing an Effective FIR
- Be Direct: Be precise in your wording, dates including, time and place.
- Stay Honest: To get into any legal implications, make sure you provide accurate information.
- Always Collect: Make it a point to collect a copy of the FIR to refer to later.
- Follow-up: Every FIR has an acknowledgment number, and using that number, one can follow up.
Common Issues and Solutions
- Delay in Registration
If police are not willing to register your FIR, make notes about the senior
officer or magistrate who refused to do so.
- Errors in FIR
After fetching the copy of your FIR make sure to ask for the mistakes to be corrected.
- Misclassification of Offenses
Make sure that the reported crime is sorted into either of the two categories, cognizable or non-cognizable.
List of States Accepting Online FIRs
Most, if Not All ICT in India, provides online registration of FIRs but some have restrictions. For example, Andhra Pradesh and Manipur aren’t currently providing the no-e-firs. It is always advisable to check the respective state’s police portal for recent updates on this issue.
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Conclusion
An FIR is a vital step for ensuring a victim receives justice, and the rule of law is upheld. Thanks to online portals, it has become easy for victims to report any crime from anywhere within seconds. Be it through online or offline sources, the understanding of the processes makes everything less tedious.
If you follow the guidelines explained in this blog, you will be able to register an FIR without any worries knowing that the complaint will be taken seriously and thoroughly examined.