A First Information Report (FIR) is a written document prepared by law enforcement upon reporting a crime, serving to officially inform the police and initiate investigations, with its legal basis found in section 154 of the Indian Penal Code. It includes essential details such as the complainant's information, crime specifics, accused information, and witness accounts, acting as a crucial legal record and evidence in court. FIRs play a significant role in criminal investigations, as they guide police action and can be used to corroborate testimonies, with discrepancies potentially undermining witness credibility.

1. > Its Evidentiary Value in Criminal Justice.“
>Understanding FIR's Role in Legal Processes
FIRST INFORMATION
REPORT (FIR)
By himanshu solanki
llb 3rd
semester

2. WHAT IS AN FIR?
•Definition: A First Information Report (FIR) is a
written document prepared by law enforcement
when a crime is reported.
•Purpose: To officially inform the police of a
crime and initiate an investigation.
•Legal Basis: Section 154 of the Indian Penal
Code (IPC) and similar legal provisions in other
jurisdictions.

3. COMPONENTS OF AN FIR
•Basic Details: Name, address, and contact information of
the complainant.
•Details of the Crime: Time, place, and nature of the crime.
•Accused Information: If known, details of the accused
(name, description).
•Witnesses: Any witnesses to the crime or incident.
•Signature: Complainant’s or informant's signature or thumb
impression.

4. IMPORTANCE OF FIR IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
•Initiates Investigation: Marks the official start of a police
investigation.
•Legal Record: Serves as an official record of the crime and
investigation.
•Evidence: Acts as a foundation for gathering and presenting
evidence in court.
•Prevents Tampering: By documenting the crime immediately, it
prevents manipulation of facts later.

5. FIR’S ROLE IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION
First step: gather the preliminary details about the crime:
Guides Police Action:direct police the scene of the crime
Leads to Arrests:help to identify the suspect and possible arrest

6. FIR AS EVIDENCE IN COURT
•Admissibility: An FIR can be used as
evidence in court under certain conditions.
•Section 154 of IPC: Only the details given by
the complainant at the time of the report can be
used as evidence.
•Limitations: FIR is not always directly
admissible; it may be used to corroborate
testimony or establish a timeline.

7. EVIDENTIARY VALUE OF FIR
IN CRIMINAL CASES
•Primary Evidence: In some cases, an FIR may serve as primary
evidence, especially in the initial stages of the investigation.
•Corroborative Evidence: It is often used to corroborate the
testimony of the victim or eyewitness.
•Discrepancies: A significant deviation from the details in the FIR
during trial may weaken the credibility of the complainant.

8. FIR AND ITS IMPACT ON WITNESS
TESTIMONY
• Consistency with FIR: Witness statements that are consistent with the FIR are more
likely to be considered credible.
• Inconsistencies: Major inconsistencies between the FIR and the witness testimony
can lead to the rejection of the witness’s statements.
• Strengthening the Case: If the FIR contains accurate, truthful details, it strengthens
the prosecution’s case.

9. Thank you