1. What is First Information Report (FIR)?
FIR stands for First Information Report. Whenever anybody reports about any crime which discloses cognizable offence then information is entered into a register whose Performa is as per form no-24.5 (I) of Punjab Police Rule. It is the right of complainant to get a copy of First Information Report (FIR) free of cost, immediately from concerned police station. FIR can be registered either on written statement or verbal statement of complainant which is later reduced in writing by police officer and is signed by the complainant. If your complaint does not disclose any offence or your complaint discloses only non-cognizable offence, then FIR can not be registered.

2. What to do if the Police Station refuses to register the FIR ?
If the Police Station refuses to register FIR, than Free FIR can be register at Hassle Free FIR counter at CPRC branch SSP office or substance of information in writing can be sent by post to the SSP Rupnagar.

Are any kind of fee or charges to be paid to police for  registration of FIR ?
OR
Is the complainant entitled to a free copy of the FIR ?

Absolutely not. Police is not to be paid any fee or money for registering the FIR and   subsequent investigation. If anybody in the police station makes such a demand, a complaint should immediately be made to the senior police officer as mentioned above. OR
Yes, definitely. As per Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.PC) it is mandatory on the part of police to provide a copy of the FIR, free of cost to the complainant.
Is it an offence to register/lodge false FIR ?
Yes. Lodging of a false FIR/complaint is punishable under IPC. Such an informant/complainant can be proceeded against under section 182 IPC or under section 211 IPC, by police. Private person against whom false FIR/complaint has been lodged can also  file complaint in the court for the offence of defamation.

3. What is DDR (ROZNAMCHA)?
In such cases where only non-cognizable offence is made out, Police officer will enter the substance of information in the daily diary of Police Station and give copy of same to complainant. Another copy of complaint is sent to the concerned judicial magistrate for further action. Police does not have powers to investigate a non-cognizable offence without the orders of the magistrate.

4. What is cognizable offence ?
An offence for which a police officer has the powers to arrest without a warrant is defined as a cognizable offence. Offences like murder, rape, kidnapping, theft, robbery, fraud etc. are classified as cognizable. To get detailed list of cognizable offence kindly refer to first schedule of Criminal Procedure Code.

5. What is Non cognizable offence?
Other offences like simple hurt, verbal abuse, intimidation, defamation, etc. are non cognizable offence. In such cases where only non cognizable offence is made out, Police does not have the power to arrest or investigate without the orders of the court. Police officer will enter the substance of information in Roznamcha of the police station and give copy of same to the complainant.

6. What is bailable Offence ?
Bailable Offences are those offences where the accused has the right to get himself released on bail after his arrest if he can give sureties or personal bond to the satisfaction of the police officer. For the list of bailable offences please refer to first schedule of Criminal Procedure code.