HOW TO LODGE AN F.I.R

An FIR (First Information Report) is a document in a written form prepared by the police after receiving information about the commission of a cognizable offence. In fact, it is a complaint lodged with the police by the victim of a cognizable offence or by someone on his/her behalf. A cognizable offence is an offence for which a police officer has the authority to make an arrest without a warrant. For such offenses, the police is also allowed to start an investigation with or without the permission of a court. An FIR is very important for a justice seeker as it sets the process of crimil justice in motion. Any person who knows the commission of a cognizable offense, including police officials, can file an FIR.

For the benefits of justice seekers, The Sentinel has provided a list of steps to be followed by them while submitting an application for an FIR.

(1)    Lodging an application for an FIR is free of cost i.e. no fee is charged.

(2)    The applicant or complaint has to submit an application addressed to the officer-in-charge of the police station or outpost concerned.    

(3)    The application should depict the complete picture of the cognizable offense committed against the victim or victims.

(4)    Besides giving his/her me, address and contact number (if possible), the applicant should also give the me, address and contact number (if possible) of the accused in the application.

(5)    The application should make it sure that the officer-in-charge of the police station or outpost concerned gives him/her the duplicate copy of the application submitted.

(6)    In the event of the officer in-charge of a police station or outpost refuses to prepare an FIR even after submission of an application by a person, the applicant can move a higher police official with a written complaint.

(7)    Based on the application, the police station or outpost concerned prepares an FIR.

(8)    The officer in-charge of the police station enjoys the right to judge 'the gravity of the cognizable offense' mentioned in the application in the eye of law if a case should or should not be registered against the prepared FIR.