First Information Report (FIR)
/fɜːrst ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃən rɪˈpɔːrt/
Legal / Procedural Term
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Definition
The first written document recorded by police when information about a cognizable offence is received. Under Section 154 CrPC (Section 173 BNSS), police are obligated to register an FIR — they cannot refuse. It sets criminal law in motion and is the foundation of the prosecution case. A copy must be given free of charge to the informant.
Etymology
Legal term with origins in Latin, Anglo-French, or Old English legal tradition, later codified in Indian law.
Examples
Case Study
In Lalita Kumari v. Govt. of U.P. (2013), a Constitution Bench held that FIR registration is mandatory for cognizable offences — police have no discretion to conduct a preliminary inquiry before registering, except in specified categories.
Key Cases
Lalita Kumari v. Govt. of U.P.
2013(2014) 2 SCC 1
FIR registration is mandatory for cognizable offences. Preliminary inquiry permitted only in limited categories. Failure to register FIR is itself punishable.
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