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: Understanding the Concept:
The question is about the legal right of a complainant (the person who informs the police about a cognizable offense) to receive a copy of the First Information Report (FIR) that has been registered based on their complaint.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Section 154(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC) explicitly states that a copy of the information as recorded (the FIR) shall be given forthwith, free of cost, to the informant.
The Supreme Court of India, in the case of Youth Bar Association of India v. Union of India (2016), has reinforced this right and directed that all FIRs should be uploaded on the police website within 24 hours of registration (with exceptions for sensitive cases).
This provision ensures that the complainant has an official record of their complaint and can pursue further legal action if necessary.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The law mandates that a copy of the FIR must be provided to the complainant free of charge. Therefore, no payment is to be made.