File an e-FIR/Online Police Complaint/ Non Cognizable Report (NCR)

Overview - File an eFIR / Police Complaint Online

Welcome to our expert online service designed to assist citizens in times of need and distress. Our primary goal is to offer a simple and accessible method for citizens to submit an e-FIR or an Police Complaint Online, depending on the services available in their respective State, by utilising publicly accessible State Government portals.

An e-FIR is a digital version of a traditional police complaint filed with the police when an offence of cognizable or non-cognizable crime is committed in nature. Using the e-FIR system, individuals can file a complaint online without physically visiting a police station. This is particularly helpful when the complainant cannot go to the police station or needs to file an urgent complaint.

Similar to a traditional paper FIR or police complaint, an e-FIR includes details about the offence, the accused, the complainant, and witnesses. Upon successful submission of an e-FIR or Police Complaint Online, a unique Complaint reference number is generated, which is recognised by the Court and Police authorities. This reference number can be used for referencing purposes, to track the status of the complaint, and it may be further processed into an FIR or NCR, or it may be dismissed by the police officials if there is no disclosure of a prima facie cognizable offence.

Impact of Delayed FIR/Police Complaints

It is crucial to promptly report any crime or wrongdoing committed in society to the appropriate police authority. Failing to bring the commission of the crime to the police's attention can have serious adverse consequences, including:

• Hampered Investigation: Time is of the essence for the police to conduct thorough investigation. Delay in reporting can hinder their efforts to gather crucial evidence and witness statements.
• Reduced Chances of Apprehending the Accused: The longer the delay in reporting, the greater the likelihood that the accused may escape or go into hiding, making it harder for law enforcement to apprehend them.
• Potential Misuse of Lost or Stolen Items: If an official document, mobile device, or a vehicle is lost or stolen, it can fall into the hands of individuals with malicious intent. These items may be exploited for illegal activities, posing a risk to individuals and society.
• Adverse Inference Against the Complainant: A delayed complaint can lead to suspicions that the complainant's report is an "after-thought". This may impact the credibility of the complaint and hinder the pursuit of justice.

To ensure effective law enforcement and protect the well-being of society, it is essential to report any crime or wrongdoing to the police promptly. Acting swiftly helps facilitate a timely and comprehensive investigation, increases the chances of apprehending the accused, prevents potential misuse of lost or stolen items, and avoids adverse interpretations of the complaint.

Benefits of File an eFIR / Police Complaint Online

• Convenience: e-FIRs allow individuals to file a complaint without physically visiting a police station, saving time and effort.
• Immediate acknowledgment: After filing an e-FIR/Police Complaint Online, an acknowledgment number or registration number or e-FIR number or complaint number is generated, which serves as a public record of the complaint.
• Legal validity: e-FIRs/Online Police Complaints are considered legal documents and can be used as evidence in court.
• Alternative remedies: The complaint number received through the e-FIR can be used to pursue an alternative remedy before a court of law in case of police inaction.
• Loss reporting: In cases of loss or theft of important documents such as Aadhar card, passport, or driving license, a non-cognizable report can be filed to generate an instant report that can be used for insurance claims or document replacement.
• Confidentiality: e-FIRs provide a safe and confidential platform for women to report crimes against themselves without fear of judgement or discrimination.

Documents Required

• 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 district
• Complete address of the accused, including district and phone number, if known
• Aadhaar number of the complainant
• Date of occurrence of the incident
• Place of occurrence of the incident
• Chronological events of the incident or facts related to the complaint

What Is a Police Complaint?

A police complaint is a statement by the Complainant disclosing the facts of offence, in order to require the police to take action as per the Code of Criminal Procedure, within their jurisdiction. It can be written or oral, providing details of the parties involved, date, time, place, and other information.

In layman's terms, a police complaint is a firsthand account of an offence or crime, expressed in plain language to describe what occurred. It is a narrative that provides factual information about the incident.

What is FIR?

FIR stands for First Information Report, which is a written document that is filed by the police when they receive information/complaint about a crime or incident, which is cognizable in nature. It serves as the first step in the criminal justice process and provides important details about the incident, such as the time, location, and nature of the crime. FIRs are essential for starting an investigation and are often required before any further action can be taken by the police or other law enforcement authorities.

What is NCR?

A non-cognizable report is prepared by the police when they receive information about a non-cognizable offence, typically involving minor offences. In such cases, the police can only take action after obtaining permission from a Magistrate.

According to Section 379 of the IPC, if something is stolen, an FIR must be filed. Conversely, if something is lost, a Non-Cognizable Report (NCR) is filed, which remains in the records of the police station and is not sent to the court. The police do not investigate NCRs.

Many people are not aware of the distinction between an FIR and an NCR. As a result, the police sometimes file NCRs for stolen items, which can be confusing for victims. Unlike an FIR, which clearly states "First Investigation Report" and the relevant IPC section, an NCR is labelled as a "Non-Cognizable Report".

How to File an eFIR / Police Complaint Online?

We aim to assist individuals in filing e-FIR/Police Complaint Online most efficiently and conveniently. Typically, the filing process involves using an online portal made available by the police department of the relevant state. We aim to provide efficient assistance in filing e-FIR, recognising that the process may be overwhelming for some individuals.

The police department stands as a formidable pillar in the preservation of law and order, dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of the public while upholding the principles of justice. Despite the obstacles they encounter, their unwavering spirit of innovation and adaptability shines through as they continuously evolve to better serve our community.

• Step 1: Complaint to a Senior Police Official: If the police determine that no cognizable offence is evident from the complaint, they may choose not to convert it into an FIR. In such cases, one can take the following steps:
  
• Send hardcopies of the complaint to the concerned Police Station, marking copies to higher police authorities such as the Commissioner of Police, Additional Commissioner of Police, Deputy Superintendent of Police, and Additional Deputy Superintendent of Police, based on the appointments in the respective state.
• Step 2: Application to Magistrate for FIR Registration: If the police still do not take action, one can file an application under section 156(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Cr.P.C.) before the concerned Magistrate. This application should refer to the previously filed online complaint and seek a direction to register an FIR and initiate an investigation.
• Step 3: Complaint to Magistrate: Alternatively, if the complainant possesses sufficient evidence demonstrating the commission of a cognizable offence, they can file a complaint under section 200 of the Cr.P.C. The Magistrate can then personally take cognizance of the offences.

By following these concise steps, individuals can explore further options when the police do not take immediate action on a complaint where no cognizable offence is established.

When Will NCR/FIR Be Registered by the Police?

As per police procedures, the registration of an NCR or an FIR depends on the nature of the offence. An FIR (First Information Report) is usually filed when a cognizable offence has been committed. Cognizable offences are those for which the police can arrest without a warrant. Such offences may include serious crimes like theft, robbery, murder, rape and other such incidents. If the offence falls under this category, the police will register an FIR and is bound to initiate an investigation.

On the other hand, an NCR (Non-Cognizable Report) is filed when a non-cognizable offence has been committed, that is an offence for which the police cannot arrest without a warrant. Examples of non-cognizable offences include simple assault, forgery, criminal intimidation and other less serious crimes.

NCR Vs e-FIR

List of offences- e-FIR Vs NCR

Advantages of Hiring a Lawyer for e-FIR/Online Police Complaint

• Expertise in Legal Matters: Lawyers are trained professionals who have knowledge of legal procedures and can guide individuals through the process of filing an e-FIR/Online Police Complaint . They can also provide advice on the best course of action to take, based on the facts of the case and necessary facts to be put in the complaint.
• Assistance with Documentation: Filing an e-FIR/Police Complaint Online requires the submission of several documents, such as identity proof, address proof, and incident details. A lawyer can help individuals to compile and submit these documents correctly, ensuring that there are no errors or omissions.
• Understanding of Legal Jargon: Legal documents are often full of complex terminology and legal jargon, which can be confusing for individuals who are not familiar with the legal system. A lawyer can help to explain the legal terms and ensure that the individual understands the legal implications of filing an e-FIR/Online Police Complaint.
• Representation in Court: If the case goes to court, a lawyer can represent the individual and provide legal guidance throughout the proceedings. This can help to ensure that the individual's rights are protected and that they receive a fair hearing.

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.

List of States That Accept e-FIR in Their Jurisdiction

Why Vakilsearch?

At Vakilsearch, we believe in sharing our social responsibility and serving the public to the best of our abilities. We offer efficient assistance in filing e-FIR and police complaint online. It is important to note that we are not integrated with the police department, but we strive to provide seamless and hassle-free services to our customers.

We want to reiterate that a police department is a group of heroes who work tirelessly to maintain law and order and protect citizens from harm. We hold immense respect for their dedication and commitment to duty, making it a point to appreciate their efforts in every possible instance.

• We provide a user-friendly platform that simplifies the filing process.
• Our team of experts assists customers in filling out the necessary forms and documents correctly.
• We offer hassle-free filing services on behalf of the complainant.
• We provide timely updates and notifications throughout the entire process.
• We prioritise customer satisfaction and work towards ensuring a stress-free experience.

FAQs