F.I.R (First Information Report)

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.

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 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;

Refusal to register an F.I.R. is against the Law

What are the benefits of early recording of FIR?

The early recording of FIR helps in the arrest of the real offenders and also helps in the collection of evidence of the crime.

The version given in the FIR recorded without undue delay is considered more reliable by the Courts. Delay in reporting the matter to the police can raise suspicion that the version may be colored or concocted or an exaggerated account of the incident or innocent persons may have been roped in.

The reason for delay should also be explained in the F.I.R.

Who can lodge an F.I.R? 

1)Complainant who is an aggrieved person or somebody on his behalf.

2) By any person who is aware of the offence,

(a) As an eye witness and (b) As a hearsay account

Provided the person in possession of the hearsay is required to subscribe his signature to it and mention the source of his information so that it does not amount to irresponsible rumour.

4) If the information is only by a medical certificate or doctor's report about arrival of the injured, then he should enter it in daily diary and go to hospital for recording detailed statement of injured.