In order to maintain a proper legal system in a democratic country like India, the constitution had laid down the foundation system of law. The police force is responsible for maintaining the peace and security of the country. But not everyone goes to the police station because either they are not aware of the legal system or finds reluctant to enter into a police station.
The first stage of an investigation is stepping inside the police station and filing an FIR. An FIR (First Information Report) is the first information or document recorded in written form by an officer-in-charge given by an aggrieved person or any other person to the commission of an alleged offense as prescribed by the State Government. It is a most important document without which the police cannot create and register an offense. It is recognized in several countries like India, Bangladesh, Singapore and Pakistan.
FIR is defined under the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 Section 154. Refusal to sign an FIR by the informant is punishable under Section 180 of IPC but does not render the reporting void and is admissible in court as evidence.
The contents of an FIR include the heading, reference number, parties, name, address, nature, time, and place, the jurisdiction of the offense, signature, and date. The central idea is to inform the accused in a precise manner the offense against him. FIR can be interpreted as the constitutional responsibility of the state, administration of criminal justice through police and judiciary.
