What is a First Information Report (FIR)?
The First Information Report, in short, an FIR, is a written report that the police create as soon as they learn for the first instance that a crime has been committed. This document contains information on the informant, a description of the offense, and the time and date that the informer claims the offense was committed. The first step in any illegal conduct is to file a police report (FIR), which enables law enforcement to begin an investigation.
Factors to keep in mind while reporting FIR
- The first step to take into consideration if someone wishes to report a crime and begin criminal procedures with the police is to submit an FIR at the closest police station in your area.
- The FIR must be based on a true event that the informant witnessed or on proof that he personally has.
- The FIR must be a first-hand account report, and it cannot be based on hazy or unreliable information that the informant obtained.
- If the informant cannot read or write, they may still provide the FIR orally. The police officer converts the material into writing form after hearing the oral narration.
- After providing information, the informant must sign the FIR report.
- If the informant desires one, he or she has the right to get a copy of the FIR report.
Filing an FIR
Anyone is eligible to register an FIR in the police station whose jurisdiction the crime has happened, whether they are the victim of the crime, someone acting on his or her behalf, or they have information relevant to the committed crime. If a police officer learns that a cognizable offense has been committed, they too may submit an FIR. The act of filing an FIR is a good practice since it encourages people to report crimes and spreads the onus of responsibility beyond the individual who was wronged. But there is an exemption to this regulation, and only the victim can file an FIR in cases like bigamy.
For what offenses can it be lodged?
Only cognizable offenses and FIR can be reported. Heinous crimes like murder, rape, kidnapping, etc. are recognized offenses that come under this ambit where the police are authorized to question the suspect without a warrant from the local magistrate. Crimes that carry a sentence of three years or more in prison are considered cognizable under the 1973 Code of Criminal Procedure.
