How To File FIR?

Filing of a FIR is a simple process but many of us aren’t aware or are very scared. First of all, don’t be scared. The police are there for helping us. If you are a victim of a crime or have any knowledge about it, you can file a FIR. It is not necessary for you to know all the details. Just follow these steps given below:

1] Go to your nearest police station and write your complaint. You should get a copy of the complaint and keep it with you.

2] In this complaint, make sure you describe all the events in detail as you can remember.

3] Submit the copy to the on-duty officer and ask him to mark it as received and take back the other copy that is marked for your record.

4] Request the officer to lodge a FIR for your case.

5] If the officer refuses, then you can take the copy of the complaint to a lawyer. Ask him to file a petition in court before the judge under section 156(3) of the CrPC. This law allows the judge to give direction to the police to register the FIR.

6] Some states also have the facility of filing the FIR online. However, this is dependent on the nature of the crime and it differs from state to state.

What Happens After You File A FIR?

After the FIR has been registered, an investigation officer will begin the investigation. Under section 161, you will be called as a witness and other witnesses by this officer to give you a detailed statement. Then based on this information, steps will be taken to nab the accused.

When the police come to the conclusion that a crime has been taken place, a charge sheet will be prepared and will be filed before a magistrate. If the police do not find anything, then they will submit a closure report to the same magistrate. If you think that the police has taken no action then you can file a petition before the High Court under section 482 of CrPC. The High Court will then direct the police to speed up the process and file a final report.

What are the documents needed while filing a FIR?

You do not need to give any documents to the police when you file an FIR. The officer will only ask you your address and contact details as to keep you updated on the case.

Things To Remember

You have the right as a person giving out the information or registering a complaint that the information that is recorded by the officer is read back to you. Once this is done, it must be signed by the person giving the information. You should verify each and every word of this recorded statement very carefully and only sign it when you find no mistakes or your information hasn’t been altered. People who cannot read/write have to leave their thumb impression.

Always ask for a copy of the FIR if the police do not give it to you in the first place. It is your right and it is free of cost.

Therefore, if you are a victim or a witness, do not be afraid and file a FIR immediately in the nearest police station.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave a comment below.