How to File an FIR in India – Your Complete Rights and Procedure Guide 2025

Victim of crime? Need to report to police? The First Information Report (FIR) is your most powerful tool in criminal justice system.

Many people don't know their rights when dealing with police. Let's change that today.

What is FIR?

FIR stands for First Information Report. It's a written document prepared by police when they receive information about a cognizable offense (serious crimes where police can arrest without warrant).

FIR is:

• FREE (no fee)

• Your legal right

• First step in criminal investigation

• Evidence in court

Cognizable vs Non-Cognizable Offenses:

Cognizable (Police can arrest without warrant, must register FIR):

• Murder

• Rape

• Kidnapping

• Robbery

• Theft

• Dowry harassment

• Domestic violence

• Assault

• Cybercrime

Non-Cognizable (Police need warrant, register complaint not FIR):

• Simple hurt

• Defamation

• Cheating (in some cases)

• Forgery (some types)

For non-cognizable offenses, police file a complaint and need magistrate's permission to investigate.

Who Can File FIR?

• Victim

• Witness

• Anyone with knowledge of crime

• Police can file on their own (suo moto)

You don't need:

• To be Indian citizen

• Any identification initially

• Money or fees

• Lawyer (can go yourself)

Where to File FIR?

General rule: Where crime occurred (jurisdiction)

Special cases:

• Crime during journey: Any police station along the route

• Online fraud/cybercrime: Any police station + cybercrime cell

• Kidnapping: Where kidnapped from or where victim found

• Women's safety: Any police station (Zero FIR)

What is Zero FIR?

If crime against women, police MUST register FIR even if outside their jurisdiction (called Zero FIR), then transfer to correct police station.

Example: You live in Delhi, crime happened in Mumbai. Mumbai police must register Zero FIR, then send to Delhi police.

How to File FIR – Step by Step:

Step 1: Go to Police Station

Go to nearest police station immediately after crime. Don't delay – evidence can be lost.

Step 2: Inform Duty Officer

Tell duty officer you want to file FIR. Say exactly these words: "I want to file an FIR"

Step 3: Narrate Incident

Tell what happened:

• When (date, time)

• Where (exact location)

• Who (accused persons, if known)

• What happened (sequence of events)

• Witnesses (if any)

• Any evidence

Step 4: Police Will Write FIR

Police officer will write down your statement in FIR format.

Step 5: Read and Sign

• Police will read FIR to you

• Check it carefully

• Make sure all facts are included correctly

• Sign the FIR

Step 6: Get Free Copy

Police MUST give you free copy of FIR immediately. It's your legal right under Section 173 CrPC.

If Police Officer Types FIR:

Some police stations use computers. Same process, but:

• They'll type as you narrate

• Print and give you copy

• You sign printout

What to Include in FIR:

✓ Your name, address, contact number✓ Date, time, place of incident✓ Detailed description of incident✓ Name/description of accused (if known)✓ Names of witnesses✓ Nature of injuries (if any)✓ Items stolen/lost (if theft)✓ Approximate value (if applicable)✓ Any other relevant details

What NOT to Include:

✗ Exaggerations✗ False information✗ Unverified rumors✗ Personal opinions/emotions✗ Irrelevant details

Stick to facts. False FIR is a crime!

What Happens After FIR?

1. Police register FIR with unique number

2. Investigation begins

3. Police collect evidence, record statements

4. Accused may be arrested (if needed)

5. Police submit report to court

6. Court trial begins

Your Rights When Filing FIR:

✅ Police MUST register FIR for cognizable offenses✅ You have right to free FIR copy✅ Police cannot ask for ID proof initially✅ Police cannot refuse to register FIR✅ Woman can request female officer✅ You can file FIR in any language you know✅ You can file online in some states✅ You can remain anonymous (in certain cases)

If Police Refuse to File FIR:

This is illegal! But happens often. Here's what to do:

Option 1: Insist Firmly

Tell the officer:

• "Section 154 CrPC says you must register FIR"

• "Refusing is punishable offense"

• "I know my rights"

Option 2: Complaint to Senior Officers

• Meet Station House Officer (SHO)

• If SHO refuses, meet Superintendent of Police (SP)

• Send written complaint via registered post

Option 3: File Through Post

Write detailed complaint and send via registered post/speed post to SP office. They must register FIR.

Option 4: Online Complaint

Many states allow online FIR filing. Check your state police website.

Option 5: Approach Magistrate

Under Section 156(3) CrPC, approach Judicial Magistrate with written complaint. Magistrate can direct police to register FIR and investigate.

Option 6: File Private Complaint

Directly file complaint in Magistrate Court under Section 200 CrPC (skips police).

Online FIR Filing:

Some states allow online FIR for certain offenses:

How to file online:

1. Visit state police website

2. Look for "Online FIR" or "e-FIR" section

3. Select offense type

4. Fill incident details

5. Upload documents (if required)

6. Submit

7. Get acknowledgment number

8. Police will contact you

Offenses usually allowed online:

• Lost documents

• Vehicle theft

• Lost/stolen mobile phone

• Some cybercrimes

Serious crimes like murder, rape still require physical presence.

Special Types of FIR:

NCR (Non-Cognizable Report): For non-cognizable offenses like cheating below certain amount.

DD Entry (Daily Diary Entry): Information recorded but FIR not registered. Police file it when they're unsure if offense is cognizable. Insist on FIR if crime is serious.

Women's Safety – Special Provisions:

• Section 498A (dowry harassment) FIR can be filed at woman's residence police station

• Rape/sexual assault: Woman can request female police officer

• Statement recorded at home if woman can't travel

• Zero FIR across India for crimes against women

• Protection of identity in rape cases

Important Tips:

1. File immediately – Don't delay, evidence gets lost

2. Keep FIR copy safe – You'll need it for insurance, court

3. Note FIR number – For all future references

4. Keep evidence – Photos, medical reports, messages

5. Get medical examination – For assault/injuries

6. List all items – In theft cases, detailed list helps

7. Stay calm – Give clear, factual statement

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

❌ Delaying FIR filing❌ Accepting "DD Entry" for serious crimes❌ Not reading FIR before signing❌ Forgetting to take FIR copy❌ Exaggerating or lying❌ Not mentioning all accused persons❌ Not listing all stolen items

After Filing FIR:

• Police will investigate

• You may be called for more questions

• Cooperate with investigation

• Keep checking case status

• Note investigation officer's name and number

• You can check FIR status online (in some states)

Can FIR Be Cancelled?

Yes, but only by court or High Court. Police cannot cancel FIR on their own.

Reasons for cancellation:

• False FIR

• No offense made out

• Civil dispute, not criminal

• Settlement

between parties (only for compoundable offenses)

False FIR is Crime:

If you file false/fake FIR:

• You can be prosecuted

• Punishment: Up to 7 years jail

• Fine

Only file genuine FIR with true facts.

Real Example:

Neha's mobile phone was snatched on Delhi street. She went to police station within 2 hours. Police initially said "file lost report." She insisted on FIR saying "snatch is theft under section 379 IPC, cognizable offense." Police registered FIR. Within 3 days, accused was caught with phone. Without FIR, no investigation would happen.

Cyber Crime FIR:

For online fraud, cyberstalking, fake profiles:

• Visit cybercrime police station

• OR file online at cybercrime.gov.in

• Keep screenshots, messages, transaction details

• Note time, date, URLs

• Preserve all evidence

Important Sections You Should Know:

• Section 154 CrPC – Police must register FIR

• Section 156(3) CrPC – Magistrate can order FIR

• Section 173 CrPC – Free FIR copy is your right

• Section 166A IPC – Police refusing FIR can face punishment

Your Rights Cannot Be Denied:

FIR registration is not a favor – it's your fundamental right. Police are public servants. You're not troubling them – they're doing their duty.

Conclusion:

Filing FIR is your first step towards justice. Know your rights, follow proper procedure, and don't let police intimidate you. Remember – police work for citizens, not the other way around.

Have you faced problems filing FIR? Share your experience and let's create awareness!