What is FIR, What is the full form of FIR

The full form of FIR is “First Information Report.” It is a document prepared by the police when they receive information about a serious crime. This report is written under Section 154 of the Indian law and gives the police the legal authority to take action on the crime, What is FIR, What is the full form of FIR.

If someone wants to report a crime, they can go to the police station and share their details either in writing or verbally. Once the FIR is registered, a copy is given to the person filing the complaint, which helps them in the legal process. If the crime occurred in a different area, a “Zero FIR” can be filed. This means the FIR can be registered in any police station. Then, it is transferred to the relevant police station.
The FIR contains all relevant information about the crime, including time, location, and the names of individuals involved. The FIR is the initial point on which the police begin their investigation and pursue further legal action. If an FIR is filed, proper legal action is taken regarding that crime, What is FIR, What is the full form of FIR.

What are the types of FIR

There are three types of FIRs:

• Cognizable FIR: This is for serious crimes where the police can arrest the accused without a warrant and start an investigation immediately. It is registered under Section 154 of the law.
• Non-Cognizable FIR: For minor offenses. In such a case, the police require a court order to arrest or file a case. The complainant might have to visit the court to get further relief.
• Zero FIR: It is a kind of special FIR, which can be filed anywhere in the police station, and the incident doesn’t have to take place within the jurisdiction of that particular police station. After that, it is forwarded to the police station concerned.

An FIR can be lodged either verbally or in writing. A victim can visit the police station, along with a representative, to lodge their complaint. The police then register that complaint and initiate the investigation process. Filing an FIR ensures proper legal action against the crime, What are the types of FIR.

What is Zero FIR

Zero FIR is a special type of FIR that can be filed at any police station, regardless of where the crime took place. Its purpose is to ensure that the victim’s complaint is registered immediately and there is no delay in police action.

This allows a person who wants to lodge a complaint to do so in the police station of his location, even if the crime has been committed somewhere else. Zero FIR is the term used because no official FIR number is given to it initially, but later on, this FIR is transferred to the police station at the place of the commission of the crime, and an official number is then assigned there.

Zero FIR is most helpful in grave cases such as murder, rape, or accidents. This system began in 2013 to provide immediate action and ensure better safety, mainly for women. Though police officers are not readily agreeing to file Zero FIRs, according to the law, they cannot reject one. The Supreme Court also said it is the duty of the police department to file complaints and preserve evidence, What is Zero FIR.

What happens by filing FIR

The primary purpose of an FIR is to inform the police about a crime so that they can take immediate action. Especially in serious crimes (cognizable crimes), once the FIR is registered, the police have the right to arrest the accused without a warrant and start the investigation.

After the FIR is filed, the police begin the investigation process, which includes taking statements from witnesses and collecting evidence. If enough evidence is found during the investigation, the police file a charge sheet in court. If no evidence is found, the police may file a final report and recommend closing the case. FIR is the first step in the judicial process, which is necessary to ensure that the criminal is punished and the victim gets justice, What happens by filing FIR.

To file an FIR, a person must go to the police station and provide his complaint either orally or in writing. The complainant is given a free copy of the FIR, which can be used in the further legal process. If the police refuse to file the FIR, the complainant can contact higher authorities or file the complaint in court. Filing an FIR gives the police the right to investigate the crime, arrest the accused, and begin legal proceedings. This process helps ensure that the victim gets justice and serves as the basis for punishing the criminal.

Where and when is FIR filed

FIR is filed at the time of a person when he or she possesses information regarding any cognizable offense such as theft, murder, and rape. An FIR can be filed at any police station where the victim or any other person can visit. It is not mandatory to get the FIR registered at the police station where the crime is committed; an FIR can be filed at any police station.

FIR is lodged only in cognizable crimes, which means the police can act on the case without a warrant. If the crime is non-cognizable, an FIR will not be made, and the case must go directly to the court. To file an FIR, one can give his or her complaint verbally or in writing at the police station. Additionally, if the police receive information about a crime or gather details from the crime scene, they can also register the FIR.

The FIR includes details of the incident, such as the date, time, location, and the names of witnesses. Once the FIR is registered, the police immediately begin investigating the case. If the police refuse to register the FIR, the complainant can approach higher authorities or the court. Registering an FIR is the first step towards justice, and it starts the legal process against the crime, Where and when is FIR filed.

Who can write an FIR

An FIR is drafted by a policeman in the police station. To begin with, the victim or the complainant reaches the police station and communicates his or her complaint verbally or in written form. A policeman listens carefully to the complaint and writes it down. He then asks the complainant to read or hear the FIR. He ensures all the information there is correct; he then requests the complainant to sign on it. Once the FIR is registered, the complainant is given a copy with the police station’s stamp and the officer’s signature.

If the police do not agree to file the FIR, then the complainant can contact the senior police officers or file the complaint in court. Once the FIR is filed, the police immediately start their investigation, which involves taking statements from the witnesses and gathering evidence. The FIR is the first step of the judicial process and plays a crucial role in getting justice for the victim, Who can write an FIR.

Can FIR be registered without evidence

It is not necessary to have evidence to file an FIR. A person only needs to provide the police with the information they know about the incident, such as the time, location, and details of the accused. The police officer registers the FIR based on this information.

An FIR is an initial document. Its basic function is to initiate the investigation, not to assess the evidence. In a cognizable case, police can register an FIR even without any evidence. In case of a non-cognizable case, the police will have to take permission from the court to get the FIR registered. If the police refuse to register the FIR, the complainant can approach senior officers or a magistrate, or file a petition in court. Therefore, an FIR can be registered without evidence, as long as the person provides correct information to the police, Can FIR be registered without evidence.

What is IPC section for giving false complaint

Section 211 and 182 of the Indian Penal Code is actionable for giving a false report. Section 211 pertains to someone who falsely accuses an innocent person or gives a false complaint to the police with malice aforethought. The court can sentence a person up to two years, or a fine, or both under this section. If the false accusation is of serious crimes such as murder, then the punishment can be extended up to seven years.

Section 182 can further be applied because it deals with giving false information, especially false information given to public servants. Under this, the accused might face imprisonment, which may not exceed six months or a fine. Thus, filing a false FIR or a report may call for serious legal effects, and in that regard, complaints should at all times be based upon truthful and verified information, What is IPC section for giving false complaint.

What are the benefits of filing an FIR

There are many important benefits of filing an FIR. Once the FIR is registered, the police gain the authority to begin the investigation of the crime and can arrest the accused without a warrant. In addition, an FIR is a legal document marking the beginning of a criminal case. In the absence of it, the police cannot initiate an official investigation. Filing an FIR also helps in preserving a record of the time and circumstances of the incident so that the evidence remains unchanged. This maintains the credibility of the investigation.

Once the FIR is filed, it is the right of the complainant to get the proper action done on his complaint, and in case the police refuse to file the FIR, the complainant can go to higher authorities or to the court. Moreover, an FIR is the proof that would make the process of investigation free from tampering and alterations. Therefore, filing an FIR is essential for the victim, society, and the judicial system, What is FIR, What is the full form of FIR.

FAQs

What is the meaning of FIR

FIR is the short form of “First Information Report.” It is a written document prepared by the police when they receive information about a cognizable offense. After filing an FIR, the police are authorized to take legal action against the crime, such as arresting the accused and starting an investigation.

Is there any fee for filing an FIR

No, filing an FIR is free of cost. The whole process does not charge any amount, and the police also give a copy of the FIR to the complainant free of cost. If the police do not file an FIR, then the complainant can contact higher authorities.

How long does it take to file an FIR

Generally, filing an FIR does require some time because the police must verify the facts presented in the complaint. However, for cognizable offenses, the FIR should be registered there and then. The Supreme Court has further clarified that the initial investigation immediately after registering the FIR must be concluded within a week, What is FIR, What is the full form of FIR.