The Indian government has made significant strides in digitising various services to enhance efficiency and accessibility for its citizens. One such crucial service is the ability to file an FIR (First Information Report) online. Filing an FIR is the initial step in starting the legal process for criminal offences, and the online system has made it simpler and more efficient.
This article discusses what an FIR is, the steps to file one online, a few things to remember, and the benefits of e-FIR.
What is an FIR?
An FIR, short for First Information Report, is a written record documenting a crime or incident as reported by the victim. It serves as the initial stage in the legal process and includes key details like when and where the event occurred and what exactly happened. This report holds significant importance in police investigations. It’s vital that before any action is initiated, the FIR undergoes a comprehensive review to guarantee its correctness. Thus, filing an FIR online for any complaint or legal action is essential.
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How to file an FIR online?
An FIR, which stands for First Information Report, is the first official step in reporting a crime according to Section 154 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973. You can file it at any police station, regardless of where the crime occurred. However, it’s best to go to the nearest police station immediately to prevent unnecessary delays. Here’s how to do it:
- To register a complaint with the police, start by visiting the official website of your local police department. For instance, if you’re in Delhi, go to https://delhipolice.gov.in/. The next section lists all the online FIR options in India.
- Once you’re on the website, find the services section.
- Choose the appropriate category from the drop-down menus that match your reported incident.
- Provide your details, such as your name, address, contact number, and email ID, as well as specifics about the incident, such as where and when it occurred and a description of what happened.
- Review all the information you’ve entered and complete any captcha requirements.
- After submitting the form, you’ll receive a confirmation email with the details of your report. It’s important to keep a printed copy of the FIR for your records.
Where can you file the FIR?
Depending on the state where you want to file an FIR online, visit the state’s police website listed below. Here are the available ones.
| States | Is e-FIR accepted or not? | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | No | – |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Yes | Click here |
| Assam | Yes | Click here |
| Bihar | Yes | Click here |
| Chhattisgarh | Yes | Click here |
| Goa | Yes | Click here |
| Gujarat | Yes | Click here |
| Haryana | Yes | Click here |
| Himachal Pradesh | Yes | Click here |
| Jharkhand | Yes | Click here |
| Karnataka | Yes | Click here |
| Kerala | Yes | Click here |
| Madhya Pradesh | Yes | Click here |
| Maharashtra | Yes | Click here |
| Manipur | No | – |
| Meghalaya | No | – |
| Mizoram | No | – |
| Nagaland | No | – |
| Odisha | Yes | Click here |
| Punjab | No | – |
| Rajasthan | Yes | Click here |
| Sikkim | No | – |
| Tamil Nadu | Yes | Click here |
| Telangana | No | – |
| Tripura | No | – |
| Uttarakhand | Yes | Click here |
| Uttar Pradesh | Yes | Click here |
| West Bengal | Yes | Click here |
| UNION TERRITORIES | ||
| Delhi | Yes | Click here |
| Pondicherry | Yes | Click here |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu | Yes | Click here |
| Andamanan & Nicobar Islands | Yes | Click here |
| Jammu and Kashmir | Yes | Click here |
| Lakshadweep | Yes | Click here |
| Chandigarh | Yes | Click here |
| Ladakh | Yes | Click here |
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Things to Remember
- While filing an FIR online is convenient, some cognizable offences may require you to visit the police station later to complete formalities.
- The specific functionalities and requirements may vary depending on the state police department.
- Online FIRs are typically for cognizable offences, where the police can arrest the accused without a warrant.
Benefits of e-FIR
- Convenience: File a report from anywhere, anytime.
- Time-Saving: Avoid long queues at police stations.
- Transparency: Receive a reference number to track the progress of your complaint.
What is NCR?
Under Section 379 of the IPC, when something is stolen, a First Information Report (FIR) must be filed. However, if an item is lost, a Non-Cognizable Report (NCR) is filed instead. Unlike an FIR, an NCR remains within the police station records and isn’t forwarded to the court. The police may not actively investigate NCRs as they do with FIRs, which can cause misunderstandings.
Many people aren’t aware of the difference between an FIR and an NCR, leading to confusion. Additionally, the police may file an NCR even for stolen items, further complicating matters for victims.
An FIR stands for First Investigation Report and is associated with the relevant IPC section, while an NCR is termed a Non-Cognizable Report.
Difference between NCR and E-FIR
| Feature | NCR (Non-Cognizable Report) | e-FIR (Electronic First Information Report) |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | A report of a non-serious offence | A report of a serious offence |
| Nature | Non-cognizable | Cognizable |
| Filed by | Any person | Victim or informant |
| Information | General details about the incident | Detailed information about the incident, including the name and address of the accused |
| Investigation | No investigation is initiated | Investigation is initiated |
| Police action | Cannot make an arrest without a warrant or court order | Can make an arrest without a warrant or court order |
| Purpose | For documentation purposes | To initiate an investigation and make an arrest |
| Examples | Lost property, minor scuffles, etc. | Robbery, murder, theft, etc. |
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When the Police will register NCR /e-FIR?
| Offences for which an online FIR can be filed (e-FIR) | Non Cognizable Reports (NCR) |
|---|---|
| Theft | Lost phone |
| Cheating | Lost official documents like Aadhaar card, Pan Card, Driving License, Passport, Voter ID card, etc. |
| Trespass | Defamation |
| Eve-Teasing, Stalking | Assault |
| Rape | Giving and fabricating false evidence |
| Murder | Public Nuisance |
| Criminal Conspiracy | Hurt |
| Dowry Death | Dishonest misappropriation of Property |
| Causing Miscarriage | |
| Grievous Hurt | |
| Wrongful Restraint /Wrongful Confinement | |
| Kidnapping | |
| Extortion | |
| Criminal breach of trust | |
| Robbery /Dacoity | |
| Forgery | |
| Cruelty by Husband/relatives |
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