Bonam Shruti & Rashi Kabra, Symbiosis Law School, Hyderabad
ABSTRACT
A First Information Report is one of the pivotal documents for the Criminal Justice system. It sets the criminal procedure and police investigation in motion. It cannot be used as substantive evidence but is a supporting document to corroborate or contradict any statement but it should be the prime responsibility of the informant is to precisely cover every single detail without any harsh usage of words or any complication. An FIR plays a significant role in criminal litigation and it becomes extremely important to record it duly without any delay and act upon it.
This research paper explains the basic fundamentals of FIR. The paper also deeply examines the significance, procedure of filing an FIR and the object behind filing an FIR. Further are analyzed, contents and essentials of an FIR, its evidentiary value and its admissibility, and the quashing of an FIR. Additionally, the authors have differentiated between a complaint and an FIR for a better understanding of the readers. This paper also mentions the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court for the Recording of an FIR.
The authors have ensured to rely on precedents for every aspect to establish its authenticity. This explains the view and gives reasons for the statements made by the authors. It also helps the readers to better understand the outline of the document.
Keywords: First Information Report, Substantive Evidence, Evidentiary Value, Guidelines.
