First Information Report under Criminal Procedure Code, 1973

Summary:

This text explains the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 regarding the First Information Report (FIR). It describes the meaning and purpose of FIR, the conditions for filing an FIR, how to record an FIR, and the evidentiary value of FIR. The text also discusses the guidelines for quashing an FIR, the consequences of filing a false charge, and the granting of copies of the FIR. It includes a comparative table between a complaint and an FIR.

Excerpt:

1. Relevant Provision in Criminal Procedure Code, 1973

Section – 154: Information in cognizable cases –
(a) If information is given orally to a police officer, shall be reduced in writing by him or under his
direction and be read over to the informant, shall be signed by the person giving it.
(b) Power to arrest without warrant.
(c) Women’s statements shall be recorded by the women police officer in serious cases.

Section – 155: Information as to non-cognizable cases and investigation of such cases-
(a) No police officer shall investigate a non-cognizable case without the order of a Magistrate.
(b) Officer may exercise the power in respect of investigation (except the power to arrest without
warrant).
(c)Where a case relates Two or more offenses of which at least one is cognizable, the case shall be
deemed to be a cognizable case, notwithstanding that the other offenses are non-cognizable.

2. Meaning and Object of F.I.R

The information given to the officer of the cognizable offense and reduced to writing required by
S.154, Cr. P.C. is known as First Information.

The object of the First Information report is to set the Criminal Law in motion.

The very first object of insisting on a First Information regarding the commission of the offense is to obtain early information regarding the alleged criminal activity and to record the circumstances before allowing time for the parties concerned to develop the case.

Note: First Information/First Information Report is not defined under Cr.P.C. The word “Information”
occurring in the said section means something in the nature of a complaint or accusation.