It is required to file an FIR immediately in cognisable offences. The complainant has the right to obtain a copy of the FIR. It is unavoidable. Do you know how to file an FIR online? Let's get the details through this article.
police complaints or Filing FIR online (First Information Report) helps victims who cannot file a complaint at their local police station. It comes in handy when circumstances prevent the victim from traveling or visiting the police station during certain hours. For instance, they might be stuck somewhere, suffering from severe injuries, or feeling uncomfortable visiting the police station. Lets have a look at the step by step process of how to file FIR online.
What Is a Police Complaint?
A statement made by the complainant, disclosing the facts of an offense, in order to require the police to take action within their jurisdiction. This can be written or oral and includes details such as parties involved, date, time, place, and other information. Simply put, a police complaint is a firsthand account of an offense or crime, described in simple language to explain what happened and reveal the facts about the incident.
What Do You Mean By FIR?
An FIR, or First Information Report, is a document that records the details of a crime or incident reported by the victim. It is the first step in the criminal justice process, and it contains essential information such as the time, location, and nature of the crime. The FIR report is a critical aspect of any law enforcement investigation. Before any action is taken, it must undergo a thorough review to ensure its accuracy. Therefore, it is crucial to File FIR online for any complaint or action taken.
How to File FIR Online: Step-by-Step Process
An FIR, also known as the First Information Report, is the initial step in reporting a crime under Section 154 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973. It can be lodged at any police station, irrespective of the location where the crime occurred. However, it’s advisable to visit the nearest police station promptly to avoid delays.
For filing an online FIR, the process involves several steps:
Delhi
- Step 1: Go to the Delhi Police Official Website.
- Step 2: Select ‘Lost & Found’ from the homepage.
- Step 3: Click ‘Register’ under the ‘Lost Report’ section.
- Step 4: Fill in the required details:
- Complainant’s Name
- Parents’ Names
- Address
- Mobile Number
- Email ID
- Place, Date, and Time of Loss
- Description of Lost Article
- Step 5: Enter the given code and recheck your details.
- Step 6: Click ‘Submit.’
- Step 7: Check your email for a copy of the e-FIR and print it.
Mumbai
- Step 1: Visit the Official Website of the Mumbai Police.
- Step 2: Complete the Complaint Form with your details, including:
- Police Station Name
- Subject
- Complaint Type
- Personal Information
- Email ID (to receive an OTP)
- Step 3: Click ‘Submit’ after filling the form.
- Step 4: Note your Complaint Number/FIR Number for future reference.
Kolkata
- Step 1: Access the Official Website of the Kolkata Police.
- Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Report a Crime’ menu.
- Step 3: Enter the necessary information, such as:
- Crime Details
- Address
- Police Station
- Step 4: Click ‘Send’ to register your complaint.
- Step 5: You will receive a confirmation email.
Chennai
- Step 1: Go to the Official Website of the Tamil Nadu Police Station.
- Step 2: Select ‘Information’ for filing FIR or ‘Complaints’ for a police complaint from the online services box.
- Step 3: File your FIR or complaint as per the instructions provided.
Uttar Pradesh
- Step 1: Visit the UP Police’s official website.
- Step 2: Go to the ‘Citizen Services’ area and select the ‘E-FIR’ option to access the CCTNS webpage.
- Step 3: Register for a FIR or log in with your credentials.
- Step 4: Complete the CCTNS portal registration to get your User ID and Password.
- Step 5: Log in and submit the required information for the FIR.
- Step 6: The online FIR verification process will begin, and the authorised FIR details will be sent via email or SMS.
- Step 7: Download the PDF copy of the FIR from your email.
Following these steps will help you file FIR online efficiently and ensure that you receive the necessary documentation for your case.
What are the Advantages of E-FIR?
- Enhanced Accessibility: In regions with security or infrastructure challenges, e-FIRs provide a convenient alternative to physically visiting a police station.
- Overcoming Police Reluctance: e-FIRs can help reduce the reluctance of law enforcement personnel, especially in cases of minor offences.
- Addressing Police-to-Public Ratio: They assist in mitigating the challenges arising from a low ratio of police personnel to the general public.
- Real-Time Crime Reporting: e-FIRs address the longstanding issue of delayed FIR registrations by enabling the reporting of crimes in real time.
What is NCR?
-
According to Section 379 of the IPC, an FIR must be filed if something is stolen
-
If something is lost, a Non-Cognizable Report (NCR) is filed
-
It remains in the records of the police station and is not sent to the court
-
The police might not investigate NCRs, unlike FIRs
-
Many people are not aware of the distinction between an FIR and an NCR, which can lead to confusion.
-
Police may file an NCR for stolen items, which can further add to the confusion for victims.
-
FIR states First Investigation Report the relevant IPC section
-
NCR is labelled as a Non-Cognizable Report.
Simplify justice: File e-FIR and online police complaints effortlessly with us. Swift resolution guaranteed.
How to File FIR Online Police Complaint?
-
One must visit the registered website that the government has provided for complaints/e-FIR
-
We understand that the process may be overwhelming for some
-
Vakilsearch now offers efficient help to file FIR online / Online Police Complaints
-
Police department is maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety, upholding justice
-
However, despite many challenges they innovate and adapt to better serve the community.
NCR Vs E- FIR
| Feature | NCR (Non-Cognizable Report) | e-FIR (Electronic First Information Report) |
| Meaning | A report of a non-serious offence | A report of a serious offence |
| Nature | Non-cognizable | Cognizable |
| Filed by | Any person | Victim or informant |
| Information | General details about the incident | Detailed information about the incident, including the name and address of the accused |
| Investigation | No investigation is initiated | Investigation is initiated |
| Police action | Cannot make an arrest without a warrant or court order | Can make an arrest without a warrant or court order |
| Purpose | For documentation purposes | To initiate an investigation and make an arrest |
| Examples | Lost property, minor scuffles, etc. | Robbery, murder, theft, etc. |
Steps to File Online Police Complaint/ File FIR Online
- Consult with a lawyer to get information on the appropriate legal remedy for the offense you have chosen
- Collect all relevant facts accurately and disclose them to proceed with the process
- Our legal experts will file the complaint on your behalf using the state’s police complaint portal and provide a reference number for tracking
- If your complaint is valid and depending on the nature of the offense, the police will take appropriate action.
We kindly request you to carefully review and comprehend the terms and conditions of our services before using them. Your usage of our services indicates your agreement to these terms and conditions. Please note that we reserve the right to modify or update these terms and conditions without prior notice.
When Will NCR /e-FIR Be Registered by the Police?
| Offences for which an online FIR can be filed (e-FIR) | Non Cognizable Reports (NCR) |
| Theft | Lost phone |
| Cheating | Lost official documents like Aadhaar card, Pan Card, Driving License, Passport, Voter ID card, etc. |
| Trespass | Defamation |
| Eve-Teasing, Stalking | Assault |
| Rape | Giving and fabricating false evidence |
| Murder | Public Nuisance |
| Criminal Conspiracy | Hurt |
| Dowry Death | Dishonest misappropriation of Property |
| Causing Miscarriage | |
| Grievous Hurt | |
| Wrongful Restraint /Wrongful Confinement | |
| Kidnapping | |
| Extortion | |
| Criminal breach of trust | |
| Robbery /Dacoity | |
| Forgery | |
| Cruelty by Husband/relatives |
Documents Required to File FIR Online
- Name of the complainant
- Date of birth of the complainant
- Email address of the complainant
- Registered mobile number of the complainant
- Complete address of the complainant, including the district
- Full address of the accused, including district and phone number, if known
- Aadhaar number of the complainant
- Date and place of occurance of the incident
- Chronological events of the incident or facts related to the complaint
List of States That Accept FIR in Their Jurisdiction
| States | Is e-FIR accepted or not? |
| Andhra Pradesh | No |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Yes |
| Assam | Yes |
| Bihar | Yes |
| Chhattisgarh | Yes |
| Goa | Yes |
| Gujarat | Yes |
| Haryana | Yes |
| Himachal Pradesh | Yes |
| Jharkhand | Yes |
| Karnataka | Yes |
| Kerala | Yes (Through App) |
| Madhya Pradesh | Yes |
| Maharashtra | Yes |
| Manipur | No |
| Meghalaya | No |
| Mizoram | No |
| Nagaland | No |
| Odisha | Yes |
| Punjab | No |
| Rajastan | Yes |
| Sikkim | No |
| Tamil Nadu | Yes |
| Telangana | No |
| Tripura | No |
| Uttarkhand | Yes |
| Uttar Pradesh | Yes |
| West Bengal | Yes |
| Delhi | Yes |
| Pondicherry | Yes |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu | Yes |
| Andamanan & Nicobar Islands | Yes |
| Jammu and Kashmir | Yes |
| Lakshadweep | Yes |
| Chandigarh | Yes |
| Ladakh | Yes |
What Is Difference Between Cyber Complaint Online vs e-FIR
| Cyber Complaint Online | e-FIR (First Information Report) | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A complaint filed for cybercrimes such as hacking, online fraud, cyberbullying, etc. | A formal document filed with the police to report a crime or offense that has already occurred |
| Nature of Complaint | Cybercrime related offenses | Any cognizable offense including cybercrimes |
| Platform | Complaints can be filed on the respective state police websites or portals | Complaints are filed on the police website or at the police station |
| Acknowledgment | An acknowledgement number is generated after submitting the complaint online | An e-FIR number is generated after the FIR is filed at the police station |
| Legal Validity | The complaint is legally valid and can be used as evidence in court | The FIR is a legal document and can be used as evidence in court |
| Alternative Remedy | Cyber complaints can be forwarded to cybercrime cell for investigation | FIR can be used for alternative remedy before a court of law in case of police inaction |
| Non-Cognizable Offenses | Cyber complaints can be filed for non-cognizable offenses | Non-cognizable complaints can be filed online to generate a non-cognizable report (NCR) |
| Scope | Limited to cybercrime offenses | Covers a wider range of cognizable offenses including cybercrime |
To know more: How to Register a Cyber Complaint in India
Conclusion: File Fir Online
In conclusion, the e-FIR/Online Police Complaint system provides citizens with a convenient and easy way to file a police complaint without having to physically visit a police station. This service is particularly helpful for those who are unable to travel or need to file an urgent complaint. The digital format of the complaint contains all the necessary information and is considered legal evidence in court. The police officials process these complaints into FIR/NCR/dismissed depending on the nature of the complaint. Our professional online service is designed to assist individuals in times of need and distress, and we strive to provide the best possible experience for our clients. Get in touch with Vakilsearch and use our e-FIR/Online police complaint services.
FAQ on File Fir Online
How do I know if someone filed FIR against me?
You can visit the nearest police station to check if there is any FIR registered against you. In case the FIR was registered in a different city than where you are currently located, you can file an application under the Right to Information (RTI) Act to obtain information about the FIR.
How do you write a FIR?
Your written complaint should contain detailed information about the incident, including when and where it happened, the name and address of the accused, or a description of the accused if their identity is unknown. You should also mention any witnesses to the incident, the nature of the crime or harm caused to you, and the extent of the damage or loss suffered. In the final paragraph, you may request that appropriate legal action be taken. Remember to sign and date the complaint.
What happens after FIR is lodged?
After an file fir online, the police are legally bound to initiate an investigation of the case. The investigation process encompasses several actions such as collecting evidence, questioning witnesses, inspecting the crime scene, recording statements, and conducting forensic tests, among other things.
