Write an explanatory note on the meaning, utility, and significance of the First Information Report. What is the effect of delay in filing F.I.R.?

Question: Write an explanatory note on the meaning, utility, and significance of the First Information Report. What is the effect of delay in filing F.I.R.? [U.P.C.J. 2000, Bihar J., Jharkhand J. 1984].

Find the answer to the mains question only on Legal Bites.[Write an explanatory note on the meaning, utility, and significance of the First Information Report. What is the effect of delay in filing F.I.R.?]

Answer

FIR is a valuable piece of evidence and can be used to corroborate the oral testimony of the witness adduced at the trial. It was held in the landmark case of Lalita Kumari v. State of UP (2013) that registration of FIR is mandatory under Section 154 CrPC if the information discloses the commission of a cognizable offense and no preliminary inquiry is allowed in such a situation.

FIR is very important as its registration sets the criminal law into motion and provides the investigating authorities to obtain information to investigate the case.

The objective of prompt lodging of FIR is to know about the commission of the offense, circumstances in which it was committed, eyewitnesses present, and accused.

Due to the delay, the report loses its spontaneity; suspicion is raised as to the introduction of colored version, exaggerated account, or the concocted story due to the deliberation and consultation Thulia Kali v. The State of Tamil Nadu, [1972 Cri. L.J. 1296].

It was held in Ramdas v. State of Maharashtra (decided on 7 November 2006) that a mere delay in the lodging of the FIR is not necessarily fatal to the case of the prosecution if the delay can be satisfactorily explained. Therefore since it has a corroborative value and is an important piece of evidence, the delay in lodging the FIR must be explained to the utmost satisfaction of the Court.

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