Educational Purpose: This guide is for educational purposes only. FIR procedures may vary by state. Consult a legal professional for specific advice.
What is FIR?
First Information Report (FIR) is the first information given to police about commission of a cognizable offense. Under BNSS, 2023 (Section 173), FIR sets the criminal law in motion.
Cognizable vs Non-Cognizable Offenses
- Cognizable Offenses: Police can arrest without warrant (murder, theft, rape, robbery, kidnapping)
- Non-Cognizable Offenses: Police need magistrate's permission (defamation, simple hurt, nuisance, trespass)
What an FIR Must Contain
- Your name and address
- Date, time, and place of occurrence
- Description of the incident
- Names and descriptions of accused (if known)
- Names of witnesses (if any)
- IPC/BNS sections of offenses committed
How to File FIR
1 Visit the police station with jurisdiction over the area
2 Give information verbally or in writing to SHO
3 Police must record information for cognizable offenses
4 Read the recorded FIR and confirm accuracy
5 Sign the FIR register after verification
6 Obtain free copy of FIR (Section 173(2) BNSS)
Online FIR
Many states offer online FIR filing through their police portals. Zero FIR (numbered as '0') can be filed if offense occurs outside police station's jurisdiction.
Important: Police cannot refuse to register FIR for cognizable offenses. If refused, approach Superintendent of Police under Section 173(3) BNSS or Magistrate under Section 175(3) BNSS.
Sample FIR Format
To, The Station House Officer, [Police Station Name], [City]
Subject: Registration of FIR under Section 173 BNSS
I, [Name], son/daughter of [Father's Name], resident of [Address], state that:
On [Date] at approximately [Time], while at [Place], the following incident occurred: [Describe incident]
The accused person(s) is/are [Name/description].
Offense committed under Section(s) [BNS sections].
Witnesses: [Names and addresses].
I request that an FIR be registered and investigation conducted.
Signature: ____________
Name: [Name]
Date: [Date]
What If Police Refuses to Register FIR?
- Approach Superintendent of Police under Section 173(3) BNSS
- File complaint before Magistrate under Section 175(3) BNSS
- File private complaint under Section 223 BNSS
- File writ petition before High Court under Article 226
Your Rights After Filing FIR
- Right to get free copy of FIR
- Right to know progress of investigation
- Right to be heard before final report
- Right to file protest petition