What is FIR? How to File, Check Status & Download Online
एफआईआर क्या है? दर्ज कैसे करें और स्थिति कैसे जांचें
What is FIR (First Information Report)?
A First Information Report (FIR) is a written document prepared by the police when they receive information about the commission of a cognizable offence. It is the first step in the criminal justice process and sets the law in motion.
Legal Definition
Under Section 154 of CrPC (now Section 173 of BNSS, 2023), every information relating to the commission of a cognizable offence, if given orally to an officer in charge of a police station, shall be reduced to writing and be signed by the person giving it.
Key Points About FIR
- FIR is not an encyclopedia of the entire case - it is just the first information
- FIR can be filed by the victim, witness, or any person who has knowledge of the offence
- Police cannot refuse to register an FIR for a cognizable offence (Supreme Court in Lalita Kumari v. State of UP, 2014 )
- A copy of the FIR must be given to the informant free of cost
- FIR is a public document under Section 74 of the Indian Evidence Act / Section 76 of BSA 2023
FIR vs Police Complaint vs NCR
| Feature | FIR | Police Complaint | NCR (Non-Cognizable Report) |
|---|---|---|---|
| For which offences? | Cognizable (murder, robbery, theft, assault) | Any offence or grievance | Non-cognizable (cheating, defamation) |
| Police action | Must investigate without court order | May or may not act | Cannot investigate without Magistrate's permission |
| Legal provision | Sec 154 CrPC / 173 BNSS | General | Sec 155 CrPC / 174 BNSS |
| Can police refuse? | No (Lalita Kumari) | Yes | No, but limited action |
| Online filing? | Yes, in most states | Yes | Usually in person |
How to File an FIR
Step-by-Step Process
- Visit the nearest police station - Go to the station with jurisdiction over where the offence occurred. Under Zero FIR provisions, any police station must accept your FIR regardless of jurisdiction.
- Narrate the incident - Tell the SHO or duty officer: what happened, when, where, who was involved, what was stolen/damaged.
- Get it written down - Police will write your statement. Read carefully before signing. You can dictate in Hindi or regional language.
- Sign the FIR - After verifying contents, sign the FIR document.
- Get your copy - Police are legally bound to give you a free copy immediately.
- Note the FIR number - This is your reference for tracking (e.g., 0123/2026).
If Police Refuse to Register FIR
You can: (1) Send written complaint by registered post to the Superintendent of Police (SP), (2) File complaint before Judicial Magistrate under Section 156(3) CrPC / 175(3) BNSS, (3) File online complaint on the state's citizen portal, (4) Approach the State Human Rights Commission.
How to File FIR Online (State-Wise Portals)
Most Indian states now allow filing FIR online for certain offences:
| State | Portal | Offences Covered |
|---|---|---|
| All India | cybercrime.gov.in | Cyber crimes, online fraud, women/child crimes |
| Delhi | delhipolice.gov.in | Vehicle theft, burglary, motor accident |
| Maharashtra | citizen.mahapolice.gov.in | Theft, lost property, motor vehicle accident |
| Uttar Pradesh | uppolice.gov.in | Via CCTNS portal |
| Karnataka | ksp.karnataka.gov.in | Vehicle theft, lost mobile, property offences |
| Tamil Nadu | eservices.tnpolice.gov.in | Lost property, vehicle theft, cyber crime |
| Rajasthan | police.rajasthan.gov.in | Selected offences via CCTNS |
| Gujarat | gujhome.gujarat.gov.in | Selected offences |
| Telangana | tspolice.gov.in | HAWK Eye app, cyber crimes |
| West Bengal | wbpolice.gov.in | Limited offences |
How to Check FIR Status Online
Once an FIR is registered, you can track its status:
- Through eCourts - If a chargesheet has been filed, search on Vakeel360 case search or services.ecourts.gov.in using FIR number
- State Police Portal - Most states allow FIR status check via CCTNS portal with your FIR number and year
- NCRP Portal - For complaints filed on cybercrime.gov.in, track via complaint ID
Track Your Court Case
If a chargesheet has been filed, track the case in court:
Search Case Status on Vakeel360What Information Does an FIR Contain?
- FIR Number and date/time of registration
- District and Police Station name
- Date, time, and place of occurrence
- Sections of law applied (IPC/BNS sections)
- Informant's details - name, address, phone
- Accused details (if known)
- Description of the offence (written statement)
- Witnesses (if any)
- Property stolen/involved
- Signature of informant and recording officer
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file an FIR online in India?
Yes, most states allow online FIR filing for certain offences like vehicle theft, lost property, and cyber crimes. The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) accepts all cyber-related complaints. For serious crimes, you should visit the police station in person.
What is the difference between FIR and chargesheet?
An FIR is the first report of a crime filed at a police station. A chargesheet (final report) is filed by police in court after completing investigation under Section 173 CrPC / Section 193 BNSS. It contains evidence, witness statements, and the police's conclusion on whether the accused should be prosecuted.
Can police refuse to file an FIR?
No. The Supreme Court in Lalita Kumari v. State of UP (2014) held that police must mandatorily register an FIR when information about a cognizable offence is received. If they refuse, approach the SP, file a complaint under Section 156(3) CrPC, or file online.
What is Zero FIR?
Zero FIR allows filing at any police station regardless of where the crime occurred. Now codified under Section 173 of BNSS, 2023. The FIR is transferred to the jurisdictional station within 15 days. This ensures no delay in registration, especially in emergencies.
How long does police investigation take after FIR?
Under Section 173 CrPC / 193 BNSS, police must complete investigation within 60 days for offences punishable up to 3 years, and 90 days for offences with more than 3 years imprisonment. If not completed, the accused gets default bail under Section 167(2) CrPC / 187 BNSS.
Can an FIR be cancelled or quashed?
An FIR can be quashed by the High Court under Section 482 CrPC / Section 528 BNSS if it doesn't disclose a cognizable offence or is an abuse of process. Police cannot cancel an FIR but can file a closure report (C summary) which the Magistrate may accept or reject.
Reviewed by Vakeel360 Legal Team · Last updated: April 2026 · Verified against CrPC, BNSS 2023, and Supreme Court judgments.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified advocate for advice specific to your situation. See our Disclaimer.