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Quick Answer
An FIR is the formal written record made by a police officer (typically the Station House Officer or Duty Officer) of information received about the commission of a cognizable offence. Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 (BNSS), which replaced Section 154 of the erstwhile Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 with effect from 1 July 2024, makes FIR registration mandatory for cognizable offences. Following the Supreme Court's Constitution Bench decision in Lalita Kumari v. Government of Uttar Pradesh, (2014) 2 SCC 1, the police cannot refuse FIR registration except in seven enumerated categories where preliminary inquiry is permissible.
Statutory reference
Section 173 BNSS 2023
Related practice areas
Written record of information relating to a cognizable offence, registered by the police under Section 173 BNSS (formerly Section 154 CrPC). Triggers police investigation and forms the foundation of every criminal prosecution.
FIR is governed by Section 173 BNSS 2023. An FIR is the formal written record made by a police officer (typically the Station House Officer or Duty Officer) of information received about the commission of a cognizable offence. Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 (BNSS), which replaced Section 154 of the erstwhile Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 with effect from 1 July 2024, makes FIR registration mandatory for cognizable offences. Following the Supreme Court's Constitution Bench decision in Lalita Kumari v. Government of Uttar Pradesh, (2014) 2 SCC 1, the police cannot refuse FIR registration except in seven enumerated categories where preliminary inquiry is permissible.
FIR falls under Criminal Law. NyaySevak matches you with a Bar-Council-verified advocate in the relevant practice area — the first consultation is free.