How to file and register an FIR online

What is an FIR?

An FIR or a First Information Report is a document that is prepared by police consisting of information regarding the (alleged) commission of a cognizable offence. The information regarding the commission of such an offence is generally given to the Police, by the victim, or by any friend or relative of the victim, or any other person who has the knowledge of the commission of that offence. 
 

What is the object of filling an FIR?

The main object of lodging an FIR from the point of view of the police is to obtain the necessary information of the alleged offence so as to trace the offender who may have committed the said offence. The object of filing an FIR from the point of view of the informant/victim/relative of victim, is the set the criminal law in motion. FIR is the first step to legal action/justice in a criminal case (mostly for cognozable cases).
 

E-filing or Online filing of an FIR

Initially, the prospect of registering an FIR in a police station would make people break into a sweat as the process was considered tedious and the fear of police harassment. When you approach the police station, you are required to file a First Information Report (FIR) or a complaint. This document record’s the complainant’s perspective on the crime committed. The procedure for filing an FIR is mentioned under Section 154 of Criminal Procedure Code, 1973.

For police, earlier the process of registering of an FIR for each case would take up a lot of time and energy of the staff. Most police stations are understaffed and overburdened with paperwork, so basic public response and courtesy get overlooked, leading to people complaining of police rudeness and apathy.

Consult: Top Criminal Lawyers in India

Now the police departments in different states have introduced an online system to register a First Information Report, check the status and track it. This saves time, money and most of all, is free of any harassment and with a large percentage of FIRs now being filed online, the police staff has been freed of public pressure which in turn ensures a better FIR follow up and quicker response to complaints filed. Not only this, the complainant/victim has an option to file an FIR easily by using a computer/phone and internet connection. Detailed procedures to file an FIR online in a few major states have been stated below:
 

Delhi

Step 1- Go to the Delhi Police Official Website.
 
Step 2- At the home many things will be given like helpline no., lost report, Women safety app, Police clearance certificate, Character verification report. Delhi police online FIR registration for lost articles or documents you have to go to the option ‘Lost & Found’.
 
Step 3 - Below the ‘Lost Report,’ four options will be given- 1. Retrieve 2. Register 3. Search found articles 4. FAQ. Select the option ‘Register’.
 
Step 4- A whole new page will be opened for Delhi police online FIR registration. You have to fill up the blanks with your personal details as well as your lost article’s details. The following options will be there-

• Complainant’s Name- Fill the name of the person who wants to lodge the E-FIR.

• Father’s/Mother’s Name- Fill the complainant’s parents name.

• Complainant’s Address- Where the complainant is residing (Required full address).

• Complainant’s Mobile number- Complainant’s working mobile number.

• Complainant’s email ID- it will be needed because a copy of your e-FIR will be sent to you via email for verification.

• Place of Loss in Delhi- Fill the particular details about where your article was lost in Delhi.

• Date of Loss- If you don’t know the date, then you fill it with a guess but the filling of month and year is mandatory.

• Time of Loss- If you remembered the time of loss then fill it. However, it is not mandatory.

• Lost Articles- Fill the name of the article you have lost.

• Description- The basic details of the lost article.

• ADD- by clicking on ADD the details will be attached in the file.

• Any Other Details- Any other specific detail you want to highlight then fill it in this blank.

  Consult: Top Criminal Lawyers in India
   

Step 5- Fill the Code given after all the above details.
 
Step 6- Recheck the details and click ‘Submit’ button.
 
Step 7- Now check your email ID for you will receive a copy of your e-FIR in PDF form in your inbox. Take a print out of that report.
 

Mumbai

Step 1: Go to the Official Website of Mumbai Police

Step 2: Fill up the Mumbai Police Complaint Form
Please note that your Email Address will be used to get an OTP (One-time Password) which will be used to authorized to finally accept your Complaint. Please click on the ‘Submit’ button once you finish filling up the complaint form.
The following information needs to be submitted in the complaint form

• Police station name

• Subject

• Complaint type

• Name

• Address

• City

• Postal code

• Phone No

• Email id

• Authorised code

• Your complaint 

  Consult: Top Criminal Lawyers in India
   

Step 3: Making a Note of your Complaint Number/ FIR Number
As soon as you click on Submit, your Complaint Number/FIR Number will be generated. Please make a note of your Complaint Number for all future references.
 

Kolkata

Step 1 – Go to the Official Website of Kolkata Police

Step 2 – Go to the “Report a crime” menu

Step 3 – Fill the information asked in the menu

• Details about the crime

• Address

• Police Station

• E-Mail

• Security code
   

Step 4 – Hit on the send button. Your complaint will be registered with Kolkata Police. You will receive an e-mail confirmation to your email account.
 

Chennai

Step 1 - Visit the Official Website of Tamil Nadu Police Station. 

Step 2 -  Choose the option information if you want to file FIR, or choose the option complaints if you want to file a police complaint online, from the online services box.
 
Step 3 - File FIR/complaint accordingly.
 

Consult: Top Criminal Lawyers in India

Why do you need a Lawyer?

An experienced attorney can give you expert advice on how to handle your criminal legal problem owing to his/her years of experience in handling such criminal cases. A criminal lawyer is an expert on the laws and can help you avoid significant mistakes that may cause further harm or will require future legal proceedings to correct. Thus, by hiring an attorney you can ensure avoiding delay and can seek justice quickly. A good criminal lawyer will guide you in the right direction, depending upon the facts and circumstances of your case. Even if the FIR is against you, or if you need bail or need to be represented in front of the Court, it is a must that you hire a criminal advocate.