What Is an FIR? Who Can File It and How

When a crime occurs, people often hear the term FIR but are unsure what it actually means
or how it is filed.

An FIR is usually the first formal step in the criminal justice process.
Understanding it helps citizens know their rights and the role of the police.

What Is an FIR?

FIR stands for First Information Report.
It is a written record prepared by the police when they receive information
about the commission of a cognizable offence.

In simple terms, an FIR is the document that sets the criminal law in motion.
Once an FIR is registered, the police are empowered to investigate the offence.

Why Is an FIR Important?

An FIR is important because:

• It officially records the complaint
• It creates accountability for police action
• It forms the basis of investigation
• It protects the complainant from later changes or denial

Without an FIR, police investigation usually does not formally begin.

Who Can File an FIR?

Any person can file an FIR.

It is not necessary that:

• The person filing the FIR is the victim, or
• The person has personally witnessed the offence

An FIR may be filed by:

• The victim
• A family member or friend
• An eye-witness
• Any person with knowledge of the offence

How Is an FIR Filed?

An FIR can usually be filed in the following ways:

• 📝 By visiting the police station and giving information orally or in writing
• 📄 By submitting a written complaint
• 💻 In some cases, through online FIR portals (depending on state rules)

If the information is given orally, the police must write it down and read it back
to the informant before obtaining a signature.

What Information Does an FIR Contain?

An FIR generally includes:

• Date, time, and place of the incident
• Details of the offence
• Names or descriptions of accused (if known)
• Name and details of the informant

Exact legal language is not required.
The focus is on basic facts.

Is There Any Fee for Filing an FIR?

No.

Filing an FIR is free of cost.
The police cannot demand any fee for registering it.

Can an FIR Be Filed in Any Police Station?

Generally, an FIR is filed in the police station having jurisdiction over the area
where the offence occurred.

However, in certain situations, the law allows filing of a Zero FIR,
which can be registered at any police station.
(This will be explained separately.)

What Happens After an FIR Is Filed?

Once an FIR is registered:

• The police begin investigation
• Statements may be recorded
• Evidence may be collected
• Further legal steps follow as per law

Registration of FIR does not mean the accused is automatically guilty.

Key Takeaway

An FIR is the starting point of the criminal process.

It can be filed by any person, is free of cost,
and is meant to ensure that information about a crime is officially recorded and investigated.

This article is written by the academic team at Delhi Law Academy, Jaipur, for general legal awareness.

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