How to file an FIR online?

First Information Report (FIR) is a very vital document as it sets the process of criminal justice in motion. Once FIR is filed, Police start the Criminal Investigation. It is a fact that people hesitate to approach Police Station to lodge any complaint. There is a stereotype that filing an FIR would be a cumbersome process. There are many reportings that Police often discourage to file FIR, to show a low crime rate of such concerned area. Now, with the help of online FIR, people will able to register cases easily as compared to physically registering of FIR.

What is FIR?

First Information Report (FIR) is a written document prepared by the police when they receive information about the commission of a cognizable offence i.e. offences where police can arrest a person without any warrant. It is a report of information that reaches the police first in point of time. Any person can report the commission of a cognizable offence either in writing or orally to the Police. The First Information Report is generally filed by the victim of the cognizable offence or by someone on his/her behalf. The Procedure to file an FIR is prescribed under Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.[2]

Is the Procedure to file an online FIR is same in all states?

Yes, in most states/cities the procedure to file an FIR online is more or less similar, the complainant is simply required to visit their official Police website and fill the necessary details correctly.

To get the overview on how to file an online FIR, the procedure to file an online FIR in the state of Uttar Pradesh is discussed below

Procedure to file an Online FIR [in Uttar Pradesh]

Step 1: Visit the official website of the concerned police station of that city/state. For example: For Uttar Pradesh police, visit the official website of Uttar Pradesh police i.e. https://uppolice.gov.in/#Home.

Step 2: On the Home page, there will be an option, ‘e-FIR’. Search for the tag and click on that icon for further filling of complaint.

Step 3: Once you will click that option, you will be directed to a new window, where you have to register yourself by entering necessary details, such as: Mobile Number and Email id etc.

Step 4: Once you register yourself, then you will be drop-down with many options such as personal details, place of occurrence and missing item. If you have filled all these details and submitted then you will receive an OTP at your registered mobile number for confirmation. Please, be careful when submitting the details and try to re-check again once you filled it. 

Step 5: When you enter the correct OTP, then you will receive a copy of the FIR via your registered email address. 

In case, the complainant has to view their complaint, then they have to again login to the website of the concerned police station, as an existing user. Once they will login as existing user, then an option of ‘view registered report’ will be displayed on their screens. On clicking that option, the complainant can see their registered report.

Within 24 hours the complainant will receive the details of their Investigating officer (“IO”). Further, the Investigating officer will visit to your registered address to get the exact necessary details.

Can we file FIR online?

Yes, some states/cities in India allow for online submission of FIR/Complaint. They are:

[1] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/up-cop-masturbates-in-front-of-women-at-police-station-video-goes-viral/articleshow/76722680.cms

[2] S.154, The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.

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