FIR First Information Report

First Information Report (FIR) is a written document prepared by the police when they receive information about the commission of a cognizable offence. It is a report of information that reaches the police first in point of time and that is
why it is called the First Information Report.

It is generally a complaint lodged with the police by the victim of a cognizable offence or by someone on his/her behalf. Anyone can report the commission
of a cognizable offence either orally or in writing to the police. Even a telephonic
message can be treated as an FIR.

Why is FIR important?
An FIR is a very important document as it sets the process of criminal justice in motion. It is only after the FIR is registered in the police station that the police takes up investigation of the case.

Who can lodge an FIR ?
Anyone who knows about the commission of a cognizable offence can file an FIR. It is not necessary that only the victim of the crime should file an FIR. A police
officer who comes to know about a cognizable offence can file an
FIR himself/herself.

You can file an FIR if:

You are the person against whom the offence has been committed.

You know yourself about an offence which has been committed.

You have seen the offence being committ