Digital Justice: How to File an Online FIR in India
India's online FIR system makes it easy for citizens to report specific offences from home, eliminating the need to visit a police station.
In this digital age, the integration of technology into otherwise age-old systems has transformed the way citizens interact with governmental services, including law enforcement. One of the conspicuous initiatives is the presentation of the Online First Information Report system in India.
Traditionally, the procedure of filing an FIR involved plenty of paperwork at police stations. This new scenario is due to the progress of digital technologies and the pressure mounted by the Indian government to shift toward e-governance, making it more accessible, efficient, and streamlined to file an FIR online. This article draws attention to the new laws and procedures related to filing an FIR in India online and the process across different states in India, drawing implications for justice.
Understanding the Significance of an FIR
An FIR is the foundational element of Indian criminal justice. FIR is a written document of information given to a police officer regarding a cognizable offence having been committed. The report provided gives rise to police investigation and forms a foundation for further legal action. An FIR is the first official document in a criminal case and records allegations made by the complainant in respect of theft, assault, fraud, or any other criminal offence.
Traditionally, an FIR was to be filed in a police station. The system often caused problems for the victims in terms of time, long queues, and sometimes the reluctance of police officers to record complaints. Several state police departments in India have taken the initiative to place online infrastructure to register FIRs easily and extend the justice delivery system to reach the masses.
Legal Provisions for Online FIR in India
The Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 is the basic framework under which an FIR can be registered. The BNSS, particularly Section 173 states :
Any information regarding the commission of a cognizable offence, irrespective of where it occurred, may be provided either orally or via electronic communication to the officer in charge of a police station. If given orally, it must be written down by the officer or under his direction, read back to the informant, and signed by the informant.
If provided electronically, it should be recorded and signed by the informant within three days, with the details entered into a designated book as per State Government rules. If the information pertains to an offense under sections 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, or 124 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and is reported by the woman against whom the offense was committed or attempted, it must be recorded by a woman police officer or another woman officer.
Procedure to File an Online FIR in India
The process of filing an online FIR varies from one state to another since all the state police departments have built their online systems. However, the basic steps of filing an FIR remain almost the same. Here's a general procedure to file an FIR online:
1. Visit the State Police Portal:
Each state police department in India has its online portal via which a citizen can file an FIR.
2. Navigate to the e-FIR Section:
Look for options like "Online Services," "e-FIR," "Report a Crime," or "Citizen Services."
3. Register or Log In:
If you're a new user, register by providing necessary details such as name, contact information, and identification proof.
If already registered, log in using your credentials.
4. Choose Your Complaint Type:
Once logged in, a user is allowed to determine the type of complaint being filed. This can be one of the many possible offences one may choose from theft, fraud, harassment, and so on. The portal usually has a dropdown list or search box wherein the user specifies his or her type of complaint.
5. Fill in the FIR Form:
The complainant should then provide detailed information about the crime, including:
- Date, time, and location of the incident
- A brief description of what happened
- Information about the perpetrator, if known
- Witness(es) present during the crime
- Physical or documentary evidence, if applicable
6. Submit the Form:
Review the information for accuracy and submit the form.
7. Receive Acknowledgment:
After successful submission, an acknowledgement receipt with the reference number is issued to the complainant. The complaint is then analyzed by the police officers concerned, and if it is a cognizable offence, a proper investigation will be conducted. The status of the FIR can be accessed through the portal or by contacting the concerned police station.
State-Specific Websites for Filing Online FIRs in India
Online FIR filing is not the same procedure followed in all states, and each state has its different processes in place. Here are a few examples of how some states have structured their online FIR registration systems:
1. Delhi:
Website: Delhi Police Official Website
2. Maharashtra (Mumbai):
Website: Mumbai Police Official Website
3. West Bengal (Kolkata):
Website: Kolkata Police Official Website
4. Tamil Nadu:
Website: Tamil Nadu Police Citizen Services