An FIR (First Information Report ) is registered by the police after having received a complaint by a victim of a cognizable offence, i.e. an offence for which police can take action without prior court approval (a warrant). Section 154 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 (‘CrPC’) defines what amounts to first information. Examples include but are not limited to murder, rape, theft, insulting the modesty of women and kidnapping.

Anyone who is either a victim of a crime, or has witnessed a crime or has information regarding a crime may file an FIR.

An FIR must be filed at the police station closest to the location of the crime. No police station can refuse filing of an FIR. Please note that every police station has a jurisdictional area within which they may investigate offences and crimes committed.

A Zero FIR allows for any police station to register an FIR, regardless of their jurisdictional area. It is usually used for crimes such as murder and rape and other cognizable offences, i.e. an offence for which police can take action without prior court approval. Initial action and investigation is conducted before it is transferred to the appropriate jurisdictional station as required. It is helpful for crimes that require immediate response as it allows for swifter action that is not bogged down by bureaucratic procedure as well as accounts for whether the police station under whose jurisdiction the crime was committed is not easily accessible.

An FIR is a very important document as it is one of the first steps towards justice for the wronged. Police take up investigation of the case only after registering the FIR in their respective police station.

•          The officer must record the FIR in writing;

•          The officer must read the FIR back to the person filing the FIR to ensure that all details are correct;

•          The person filing the FIR must sign the FIR; and

•           Once recorded, signed and registered, the person filing the FIR must get a copy of the FIR free of cost.

Once an FIR has been filed the police are legally obligated to start investigating the case. The process of investigation includes, but is not limited to, collecting evidence, questioning witnesses, inspecting the crime scene, recording statements and forensic testing. If the criminals are found, the police will make arrests.

Once the investigation has been concluded the police will record all their findings in a ‘Challan’ or charge sheet. If it is deemed that there is enough proof on the charge sheet the case goes to court.

If, after the investigation, the police conclude that there is not enough evidence that a crime has been committed they may close the case after justifying their reasons in court. If the police decide to close the case, they are obligated to inform the person who filed the FIR of their decision.

•          The officer must record the FIR in writing;

•          The officer must read the FIR back to the person filing the FIR to ensure that all details are correct;

•          The person filing the FIR must sign the FIR; and

•           Once recorded, signed and registered, the person filing the FIR must get a copy of the FIR free of cost.

A Zero FIR allows for any police station to register an FIR, regardless of their jurisdictional area. It is usually used for crimes such as murder and rape and other cognizable offences, i.e. an offence for which police can take action without prior court approval. Initial action and investigation is conducted before it is transferred to the appropriate jurisdictional station as required. It is helpful for crimes that require immediate response as it allows for swifter action that is not bogged down by bureaucratic procedure as well as accounts for whether the police station under whose jurisdiction the crime was committed is not easily accessible.

Once an FIR has been filed the police are legally obligated to start investigating the case. The process of investigation includes, but is not limited to, collecting evidence, questioning witnesses, inspecting the crime scene, recording statements and forensic testing. If the criminals are found, the police will make arrests.

Once the investigation has been concluded the police will record all their findings in a ‘Challan’ or charge sheet. If it is deemed that there is enough proof on the charge sheet the case goes to court.

If, after the investigation, the police conclude that there is not enough evidence that a crime has been committed they may close the case after justifying their reasons in court. If the police decide to close the case, they are obligated to inform the person who filed the FIR of their decision.