FIR
Police GK · FIR
📋Quick Overview
FIR (First Information Report) is the written document prepared by the police when they receive information about the commission of a cognizable offence. Under the old CrPC 1973, FIR was governed by Section 154. Under the new Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 (effective July 1, 2024), FIR is now covered under Section 173. FIR-related questions appear in almost every police exam.
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KEY CHANGE 2024: CrPC 1973 is replaced by BNSS 2023 (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita). FIR: CrPC Sec 154 → BNSS Sec 173. Both old and new sections must be remembered for exams.
📖FIR — Key Legal Provisions
| Aspect | Under CrPC 1973 | Under BNSS 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| FIR Section | Section 154 | Section 173 |
| Chargesheet (for serious offences) | Section 173 (within 60/90 days) | Section 193 |
| Bail (bailable) | Section 436 | Section 478 |
| Anticipatory Bail | Section 438 | Section 482 |
| Magistrate production time | 24 hours | 24 hours (unchanged) |
| FIR Type | Description | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Regular FIR | Filed for cognizable offence at jurisdictional police station | Police can register and investigate |
| Zero FIR | FIR filed at ANY police station, regardless of jurisdiction | Transferred to correct station later |
| E-FIR | Online FIR for minor cognizable offences | Available in UP, Delhi, many states |
| NCR (Non-Cognizable Report) | For non-cognizable offences; no direct arrest | Police needs warrant; no automatic FIR |
📝Cognizable vs Non-Cognizable Offences
- •Cognizable offence: Police CAN arrest without warrant and MUST register FIR. Examples: Murder (BNS 103), Rape (BNS 63), Robbery (BNS 309), Dacoity (BNS 310).
- •Non-cognizable offence: Police CANNOT arrest without warrant; only NCR filed (not FIR). Examples: assault, defamation, cheating (minor forms).
- •If police refuses FIR: Complainant can approach SP, DM, or Magistrate under Sec 156(3) CrPC (BNSS Sec 175).
- •FIR is a public document — accused has right to receive a free copy.
- •Chargesheet filing deadline: 60 days for bailable offences; 90 days for non-bailable/serious offences (if not filed, accused gets bail).
- •Zero FIR concept: First introduced after Nirbhaya case (2012) and became legal provision under BNSS 2023.
- •FIR must include: date/time of offence, place, description of offence, names of accused (if known), witnesses.