You have a legal right to get a free copy of your FIR immediately after it is registered. Under Section 173(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, the police must give a copy of the FIR free of cost and forthwith (without delay) to both the informant (the person who filed the FIR) and the victim. This is an improvement over the old CrPC, which only guaranteed a free copy to the informant. The police cannot charge you any fee for this, and they cannot delay providing it.
Why this matters
Your FIR copy is the most important document in a criminal case. It proves that you reported the crime, records the initial facts, and forms the foundation of the entire investigation and trial. Without it, you cannot track your case, apply for compensation, approach a lawyer effectively, or verify that the police recorded your complaint accurately. Many people leave the police station without their FIR copy — either because they do not know their right or because the police delay handing it over. This guide ensures you never leave without your copy.
Who can get a copy of the FIR
1. The informant (person who filed the FIR)
This is your absolute right under Section 173(2) BNSS. The police must hand you the copy immediately after registration — you do not need to fill any application or pay any fee.
2. The victim
Even if someone else filed the FIR on your behalf (a witness, a family member, a bystander), you as the victim are entitled to a free copy under the BNSS. This is a new addition — the old CrPC only mentioned the "informant," not the victim separately.
3. The accused
The accused person is also entitled to a copy of the FIR. Under Section 230 of the BNSS (earlier Section 207 CrPC), once a Magistrate takes cognizance of a case, the accused must be furnished with copies of all documents relied upon by the prosecution, including the FIR. During investigation (before chargesheet), the accused can obtain the FIR through their lawyer or by making an application to the court.
4. Any person (through RTI or court order)
If you are not the informant, victim, or accused but need a copy (e.g., for insurance claims, civil proceedings, or property disputes), you can:
- File an RTI application under the Right to Information Act, 2005 at the police station
- Apply to the court hearing the matter for a certified copy
Step-by-step: How to get your copy
If you just filed the FIR
- Do not leave the police station without your copy
- Remind the officer: "I am entitled to a free copy under Section 173(2) BNSS"
- Read the copy carefully at the station — ensure all facts are recorded accurately
- If there are errors, point them out immediately and ask for corrections
If you forgot to take the copy or need a replacement
- Visit the police station where the FIR was registered
- Provide your FIR number (if you have it) or the details of your complaint (date, your name)
- Submit a written request to the SHO (Station House Officer) asking for a copy
- The police should provide it the same day
If the police delay or refuse
- Write to the Superintendent of Police (SP) requesting the copy and citing Section 173(2) BNSS
- File an RTI application with the police station — CPIO (Central Public Information Officer) at the station level must respond within 30 days
- Apply to the Magistrate handling your case for a direction to the police to provide the copy
- Contact NALSA (15100) for legal aid if needed
Getting your FIR copy online
Many states now offer online FIR verification and download through their state police portals or the CCTNS (Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems) integrated platform:
- Delhi Police: delhipolice.gov.in — search by FIR number or complaint details
- Maharashtra: citizen.mahapolice.gov.in
- Karnataka: ksp.karnataka.gov.in
- Most states: Search "[your state] police FIR status online"
Important: Online portals may show FIR status and basic details but may not always provide a downloadable certified copy. For a certified copy (needed for court proceedings or insurance claims), visit the police station or court.
What if things go wrong
If the police say "the FIR is not ready yet"
Registration of an FIR is supposed to be done immediately upon receiving information about a cognizable offence. If the police claim it is not ready, ask when exactly it will be ready and get this in writing. If unreasonable delay persists, escalate to the SP.
If the FIR copy has errors
- Point out errors immediately at the police station
- If errors are not corrected, file a written complaint with the SP
- Your lawyer can raise the discrepancies before the Magistrate
- Errors in the FIR can also be addressed during trial through cross-examination
If you are the accused and denied access to the FIR
- Your lawyer can obtain the FIR through the court during the committal process
- Under Section 230 BNSS, the Magistrate must furnish you with all prosecution documents including the FIR before the commencement of trial
- You can also file an RTI application — the Supreme Court has held that FIRs are public documents
Documents and resources you need
- FIR number: Note it down at the time of filing (it is mentioned in the copy given to you)
- Your ID proof: To identify yourself at the police station
- RTI application format: Available at rti.gov.in — standard format, Rs 10 fee (postal order)
- NALSA helpline: 15100 (free legal assistance)
- State police portal: For online FIR status check
Common myths
Myth: You have to pay a fee to get a copy of the FIR. Reality: The copy is completely free under Section 173(2) BNSS. The police cannot charge you anything. If they ask for money, this is irregular — report it.
Myth: Only the person who filed the FIR can get a copy. Reality: Under the BNSS, both the informant and the victim get free copies. The accused gets copies through the court process. Any other person can obtain copies through RTI.
Myth: FIRs are confidential documents that cannot be shared. Reality: FIRs are public documents. The Supreme Court in Youth Bar Association v. Union of India (2016) directed that FIR copies should be uploaded online within 24 hours of registration (for offences other than sexual offences and sensitive matters).
Myth: If the police registered the FIR incorrectly, nothing can be done. Reality: Errors in the FIR can be corrected. Speak to the SHO, escalate to the SP, or raise the issue before the Magistrate. The court can also order amendments to the FIR in certain circumstances.
The law behind this
| Aspect | Old Law (CrPC) | New Law (BNSS) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free copy to informant | Section 154(2) | Section 173(2) | Retained |
| Free copy to victim | Not explicitly stated | Section 173(2) | New — victims now explicitly included |
| Online FIR upload | SC direction (2016) | Integrated with CCTNS | Expanding to all states |
| Accused's right to FIR copy | Section 207 | Section 230 | Before trial commencement |
Frequently asked questions
How soon should I get the FIR copy? Immediately — the word used in the law is "forthwith." The police should hand it to you right after registration. If they need a few minutes to prepare the printed copy, that is acceptable, but hours or days of delay is not.
Can I get a certified copy of the FIR for court use? Yes. For a certified copy (stamped and signed by the SHO or court), you may need to apply at the police station or the court registry. Certified copies from the court registry may involve a small administrative fee.
What if the FIR was filed against me and I did not know about it? You can check online through your state police portal, or file an RTI application with the police station where you believe the FIR may have been registered. Once the court takes cognizance, you will be served with a summons or warrant.
Can I get FIR copies from another state? Yes — through RTI, or if the case has been transferred to your state, through the local police or court. Online portals are increasingly making cross-state access easier.