A First Information Report (FIR) is the first official document prepared by the police when information regarding the commission of a cognizable offence is received. It is registered under section 173 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), which was replaced by the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) section 154. An FIR records the first version of allegations by the complainant and initiates the criminal investigation process.
Can an NRI check FIR status Online?
Yes, but only if the NRI has the FIR number (or Zero FIR Number) and knows the police station or state where the FIR was registered. Many state police websites provide an online facility to check the status of an FIR. However, the FIR number is usually required to access the information. If the NRO does not have the FIR number, it may not be possible to check the FIR status online. In such cases, they may need to contact the concerned police station or appoint a lawyer or authorised representative in India.
The process for checking FIR status online
If an NRI has the FIR Number (or Zero FIR Number) and knows the state and police station where the FIR was registered, they may be able to check its status online by following these steps:
- Visit the official state police Website where the FIR was registered. Each state has its own police portal, and online services vary from State to State.
- Navigate to the “FIR Status”, “Citizen Services” or “View FIR” section on the website.
- Enter the required details, which may include:
- FIR number (or zero FIR number).
- Year of registration.
- Police Station.
- District or state.
- Captcha code.
- Submit the information to view the available status of the FIR.
- Depending on the State Police portal, the user may be able to see FIR registration details.
- Section of law invoked.
- Investigation status (where available).
- Whether a charge sheet has been filed.
- Current stage of the case (if updated.)
Note: Online FIR status is not available in every state, and the amount of information displayed differs from one state to another. If the FIR details are not available online, or if the NRI does not have the FIR number, they should contact the concerned police station or seek assistance from an advocate in India to verify the FIR Status.
If the FIR number is not available then online verification is not possible even if NRI do not have the FIR number then it is impossible to check the FIR status anywhere. The NRI should identify from the police station where the complaint was likely filed.
Can someone else check the FIR status on behalf of an NRI?
Yes, an NRI can authorise an advocate in India. The representative can visit the police station and obtain updates from the investigating officer. They have to check court records after the filing of the charge sheet. If the police have already filed a charge sheet, the case details may be available before the concerned court. A lawyer can verify the case status and obtain certified copies, where legally permissible.
What if the FIR has already resulted in court proceedings?
If the police complete their investigation and find sufficient evidence, they may file a charge sheet before the competent criminal court under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS). Once the charge sheet is filed, the matter moves from the investigation stage to judicial proceedings. If an NRI learns that the FIR has already resulted in court proceedings, they should immediately verify the case status through the concerned court or through a lawyer in India. An advocate can obtain certified copies of the charge sheet, court orders, and other relevant documents and advise the NRI on the appropriate legal course of action. Depending on the stage of the case, the court may issue summons, bailable warrants, or non-bailable warrants if the accused fails to appear when required. Therefore, it is important not to ignore court proceedings. The accused should appear before the court personally or through legal representation wherever permitted by law and seek appropriate relief, such as bail, exemption from personal appearance, or other remedies available under the BNSS and applicable laws.
For more information contact NRI Legal World: info@nrilegalworld.com / +919609792096
Frequently asked Questions:
Q1. Can an NRI check the FIR status without visiting India?
Ans: Yes In many cases, an NRI does not need to travel to India. They can authorise an advocate or a person holding a valid Power of Attorney (where legally applicable) to communicate with the police, verify court records, and obtain updates regarding the case.
Q2. What should an NRI do if they do not know whether an FIR has been registered against them?
Ans: If an NRI suspects that an FIR may have been registered but does not have the FIR details, they should immediately consult an advocate in India. The advocate can make enquiries with the concerned police station or verify whether any criminal proceedings have been initiated before the competent court.
Q3. Can an NRI obtain a copy of FIR?
Ans. Yes, subject to applicable legal provisions and the stage of investigation, an NRI or their authorised advocate may obtain a copy of the FIR from the concerned police station or through the competent court, where permissible under law.
Q4. Can an NRI challenge a false or malicious FIR?
Ans. Yes, if an FIR has been registered falsely or maliciously, the NRI may approach the appropriate High court by filing a petition seeking quashing of the FIR, or pursue any other legal remedy available under the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) and other applicable law.