Question

How much does a complainant have to pay the police to get a copy of the FIR or complaint?

• A. Rs. 100/-
• B. Varies from state to state
• C. Rs. 50/-
• D. No payment is to be made

Hint:

Remember this as a fundamental right of a person who initiates the criminal law process. The "free of cost" provision is designed to ensure that access to justice is not hindered by a person's financial inability.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Core Idea:
A complainant (the person who reported a cognizable offense) has a legal right to receive a copy of the First Information Report (FIR) created from their complaint.
Step 2: Explanation:

According to Section 154(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC), the informant must immediately receive a free copy of the FIR.
The Supreme Court of India, in the Youth Bar Association of India v. Union of India (2016) case, supported this right. The court also ordered police to upload all FIRs on their website within 24 hours of registration (with some exceptions).
This ensures the complainant has an official record for legal proceedings.
Step 3: Conclusion:
The law requires that the complainant gets a free FIR copy. No payment is needed.