14.7.1 FIR - First Information Report
FIR (First Information Report) is the first step in criminal investigation. Under BNSS Section 173 (previously CrPC Section 154), FIR registration for cognizable offences is mandatory.
FIR Basics
- Legal Basis: BNSS Section 173 (earlier CrPC 154)
- Where to File: Police Station having jurisdiction
- Who Can File: Any person having knowledge of offence
- Free Copy: Complainant entitled to free copy (BNSS 173(2))
Cognizable vs Non-Cognizable
| Aspect | Cognizable (FIR) | Non-Cognizable (NCR) |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | Mandatory | Optional, recorded in register |
| Arrest | Without warrant | With warrant only |
| Investigation | Without court permission | Requires court permission |
| Examples | Sec 66, 66C, 66D, 67, 67A | Sec 66A (struck down), some minor offences |
Zero FIR
BNSS Section 173(1) mandates "Zero FIR" - any Police Station must register FIR regardless of territorial jurisdiction. After registration, it is transferred to the PS having jurisdiction.
14.7.2 FIR Format Template (Hindi)
First Information Report - FIR
(BNSS Section 173)
1. District / Jila:
2. Police Station / Thana:
3. FIR Number / FIR Kramank:
4. Date & Time / Dinank evam Samay:
5. Type of Information:
Written / Oral
6. Place of Occurrence / Ghatna Sthal:
7. Date/Time of Occurrence:
8. Complainant Name / Shikayatkarta:
9. Father/Husband Name:
10. Address / Pata:
11. Phone / Durbhash:
12. Accused Details / Abhiyukt:
13. Incident Details / Ghatna Vivran:
14. Applicable Sections:
IT Act ____ / BNS ____
15. Loss / Nuksan:
Rs. ____
16. Evidence / Saakshya:
Complainant Signature: ________________
Date: ________________
SHO Signature: ________________
Seal:
Cyber Crime FIR - Additional Fields
- Platform/Website: Name of website/app involved
- URL: Specific links
- Accused Email/Phone: If known
- Transaction IDs: For financial fraud
- Screenshots: Attached as annexures
- IP Address: If known
14.7.3 Non-Cognizable Report (NCR)
What is NCR?
For non-cognizable offences, police records a Non-Cognizable Report (NC) instead of FIR.
NCR Process
- Registration: Recorded in NC Register (not FIR register)
- No Investigation: Police cannot investigate without Magistrate permission
- Private Complaint: Complainant can file private complaint in Court
- Conversion: Court can order police investigation
When NCR is Registered
| Offence | Type |
|---|---|
| Simple defamation (online) | Non-Cognizable |
| Minor assault | Non-Cognizable |
| Criminal breach of trust under Rs 25,000 | Non-Cognizable |
| Cheating under Rs 25,000 | Non-Cognizable |
Converting NCR to FIR
If police registers NCR for a cognizable offence, file application before Magistrate under BNSS Section 175(3) directing police to register FIR.
14.7.4 Types of Warrants
Arrest Warrant
- Issued By: Magistrate under BNSS Section 35
- Purpose: To compel presence of accused
- Types: Bailable warrant, Non-bailable warrant
- Validity: Until executed or cancelled
Search Warrant
- Issued By: Magistrate under BNSS Section 94
- Purpose: To search premises for evidence
- Specifics: Must specify place and items to be searched
- Execution: Usually in daylight hours
Warrant Types Comparison
| Warrant Type | Purpose | BNSS Section |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest Warrant (Bailable) | Arrest with bail option | Section 35 |
| Arrest Warrant (Non-Bailable) | Arrest without bail at PS | Section 35 |
| Search Warrant | Search premises | Section 94 |
| Production Warrant | Produce accused from jail | Section 284 |
| Summons | Appearance in court | Section 63 |
14.7.5 Search & Seizure in Cyber Cases
IT Act Section 80 - Power of Police
- Who: Police Officer not below Inspector rank
- Power: Enter, search, arrest without warrant
- For: Any public place where IT Act offence suspected
- Seizure: Can seize computer systems, devices
IT Act Section 69 - Interception
- Authority: Central/State Government designated officer
- Grounds: National security, sovereignty, public order
- Process: Written order specifying duration and scope
- Review: Review Committee must review orders
Digital Evidence Seizure Protocols
- Hash Value: Calculate hash before and after seizure
- Chain of Custody: Document every person who handles evidence
- Write Blocker: Use to prevent accidental modification
- Panchnama: Seizure memo with witnesses
- Photographs: Document scene and devices before touching
Section 65B Certificate
All digital evidence requires Section 65B Certificate under Indian Evidence Act for admissibility. Ensure this is obtained during seizure.
14.7.6 Practical Tips for Lawyers
FIR Filing Tips
- Detailed Complaint: Provide comprehensive written complaint
- Correct Sections: Research and suggest applicable sections
- Evidence Ready: Attach all screenshots, documents
- Follow Up: Get FIR copy and verify contents
- If Refused: Get written refusal, approach SP/Magistrate
If FIR is Refused
- Step 1: Request written refusal with reasons
- Step 2: Send complaint to SP by registered post
- Step 3: File application before Magistrate under BNSS 175(3)
- Step 4: Court can direct police to register FIR
BNSS Section 175(3) Application
If police refuses to register FIR for cognizable offence:
- Court: Magistrate having jurisdiction
- Contents: Complaint, refusal details, prayer for FIR direction
- Hearing: Court hears complainant and may examine
- Order: Direct FIR registration and investigation
Key Takeaways
- FIR: BNSS Section 173, mandatory for cognizable offences
- Zero FIR: Any PS must register, regardless of jurisdiction
- NCR: For non-cognizable offences, no automatic investigation
- Search Warrant: Required for private premises search
- IT Act Sec 80: Police can search public places without warrant
- Section 65B: Mandatory for digital evidence admissibility