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—fir-copy-rti [2026/04/22 19:41] (current) – created - external edit 127.0.0.1
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 +{{htmlmetatags>metatag-keywords=(fir copy rti, how to get fir copy, fir copy through rti, lalita kumari fir, section 154 crpc, fir online, police rti, fir delay rti, sho refused fir)
 +metatag-description=(Get a copy of any FIR — the legal route through Section 154 CrPC + RTI. 2026 guide with case law (Lalita Kumari, Youth Bar Association), state-by-state FIR portals, RTI templates.)
 +metatag-title=(How to Get an FIR Copy Through RTI — 2026 Decision-Tree Guide)}}
 +====== How to Get an FIR Copy — Section 154 First, RTI as Backup ======
 +
 +{{ :og/card-06.png?direct&1200 |FIR Copy through RTI — RTI Wiki}}
 +
 +**Most people reach for an RTI first when they need a copy of an FIR — but in 2026 the law gives you a faster, cheaper, more direct right under Section 154(2) CrPC: every complainant or victim has a STATUTORY RIGHT to a free copy of the FIR forthwith, and the Supreme Court in //Youth Bar Association v. Union of India// (2016) 9 SCC 473 directed every state to upload all FIRs (except sensitive categories) on its police website within 24-72 hours.** RTI becomes the second-best route only when the police refuse the §154 copy or the FIR is not for you. This guide gives you a **decision-tree** — try §154 first → check the state portal → then RTI to the SP / DCP — with three RTI templates, six landmark rulings (//Lalita Kumari//, //Youth Bar Association//, //Bhagat Singh//, //Sukhdev v. SP Karnal//, //Vinubhai Haribhai Malaviya//, //Arnab Goswami v. UoI//), state-by-state FIR portals, and the escalation ladder.
 +
 +<WRAP center round info 95%>
 +**Decision tree — pick your route:**
 +  - **Are you the complainant or victim?** → §154(2) CrPC: free copy from the SHO **immediately**. **No fee, no application form.**
 +  - **Is the FIR uploaded on the state police website?** → Download for free. //Youth Bar Association// (SC 2016) made this mandatory.
 +  - **Need someone else's FIR (e.g., for matrimonial / civil dispute)?** → RTI to the SP/DCP — but expect §8(1)(g) and §8(1)(h) defences.
 +  - **SHO refused the §154 copy?** → File complaint to SP under §154(3) AND parallel RTI.
 +  - **FIR not registered despite cognisable offence?** → //Lalita Kumari// (SC 2014) Constitution Bench ruling: Magistrate complaint under §156(3) CrPC + RTI for the police's reasoning.
 +\\ \\ **[[:tools/ai-rti-draft-app.html?prefill=I want to file an RTI for a copy of FIR. I am [the complainant / the victim / a third party]. FIR number (if known): [NUMBER]. Police station: [STATION]. Date of incident: [DATE]. SHO refused / portal does not show / I am a third party — please draft the appropriate RTI to the SP.|🪄 Draft my FIR-copy RTI with AI →]]**
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +**Reviewed on:** 23 April 2026.
 +
 +===== Step 1 — Check if you can get it WITHOUT an RTI =====
 +
 +==== Path A: §154(2) CrPC if you are the complainant ====
 +
 +**Section 154(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure**: //"A copy of the information as recorded under sub-section (1) shall be given forthwith, free of cost, to the informant."//
 +
 +  * **No fee, no form, no waiting.**
 +  * If the SHO refuses, file complaint to the **SP under §154(3)**.
 +  * If SP also refuses, **Magistrate complaint under §156(3) CrPC**.
 +
 +==== Path B: Online FIR portal (most states) ====
 +
 +**Youth Bar Association v. UoI (2016) 9 SCC 473** directed every state to upload FIRs on a public portal within 24-72 hours, except for sensitive categories (POCSO, sexual offences, terrorism, sedition, official secrets).
 +
 +**State portals as of 2026:**
 +
 +^ State ^ Portal ^
 +| Delhi | [[https://delhipolice.gov.in/services/fir-search|delhipolice.gov.in]] |
 +| Maharashtra | [[https://citizen.mahapolice.gov.in/Citizen/MH/PublishedFIRs.aspx|citizen.mahapolice.gov.in]] |
 +| Karnataka | [[https://ksp.karnataka.gov.in|ksp.karnataka.gov.in]] |
 +| Tamil Nadu | [[https://eservices.tnpolice.gov.in|eservices.tnpolice.gov.in]] |
 +| Uttar Pradesh | [[https://uppolice.gov.in|uppolice.gov.in]] |
 +| Gujarat | [[https://police.gujarat.gov.in|police.gujarat.gov.in]] |
 +| Madhya Pradesh | [[https://citizen.mppolice.gov.in|citizen.mppolice.gov.in]] |
 +| Rajasthan | [[https://police.rajasthan.gov.in|police.rajasthan.gov.in]] |
 +| Telangana | [[https://www.tspolice.gov.in|tspolice.gov.in]] |
 +| West Bengal | [[https://wbpolice.gov.in|wbpolice.gov.in]] |
 +| Kerala | [[https://citizen.keralapolice.gov.in|citizen.keralapolice.gov.in]] |
 +| Punjab | [[https://punjabpolice.gov.in|punjabpolice.gov.in]] |
 +
 +**To search:** PS name + FIR number + year + DOB. PDF download is free.
 +
 +==== Path C: RTI — only when A and B fail ====
 +
 +If §154(2) refused AND not on portal — RTI is your route. Templates below.
 +
 +===== Step 2 — RTI templates =====
 +
 +==== Template 1 — to the District SP / DCP ====
 +
 +For a known FIR number where you cannot get a copy via §154 or portal:
 +
 +<code>
 +To:
 +The Public Information Officer,
 +Office of the Superintendent of Police / Deputy Commissioner of Police,
 +[DISTRICT / CITY ZONE].
 +
 +Subject: RTI — copy of FIR No. [NUMBER] dated [DATE], PS [NAME]
 +
 +Respected Sir/Madam,
 +
 +Under the Right to Information Act, 2005, I, [Full name], request the
 +following information:
 +
 +1. Certified copy of First Information Report number [NUMBER] dated
 +   [DATE] registered at Police Station [NAME], District [NAME].
 +
 +2. Copy of the General Diary entry for the date of registration.
 +
 +3. Names and designations of: (a) the SHO who registered the FIR;
 +   (b) the Investigating Officer (IO) currently assigned; (c) the
 +   Investigating Officer (if changed) at all stages.
 +
 +4. Current investigation status: under investigation / final report
 +   filed under §173(2) CrPC / closed under §169 / charge-sheet filed.
 +
 +5. If charge-sheet has been filed, the date and the Magistrate Court
 +   to which submitted.
 +
 +6. Copy of any case-diary noting on the dates [SPECIFY if applicable].
 +
 +7. List of witnesses examined and dates of examination.
 +
 +I have a legitimate interest in this information as [state your nexus —
 +victim's relative / accused's family / property owner of incident
 +location / witness / journalist with public-interest reporting].
 +
 +I am NOT seeking — and do not need — any information that would identify
 +a confidential informant or a sexual-offence victim, which I acknowledge
 +is exempt under §8(1)(g).
 +
 +Rs. 10 RTI fee paid online via rtionline.gov.in / IPO enclosed.
 +BPL waiver under §7(5) [strike if not applicable].
 +
 +Yours faithfully,
 +[Name]
 +[Address, mobile, email]
 +Date: [Today]
 +</code>
 +
 +==== Template 2 — when SHO refused FIR registration ====
 +
 +Use this if a cognisable offence was reported but the SHO refused to register an FIR (covered by **Lalita Kumari v. Govt of UP (2014) 2 SCC 1** Constitution Bench):
 +
 +<code>
 +To:
 +The Public Information Officer,
 +Office of the Superintendent of Police, [DISTRICT].
 +
 +Subject: RTI — non-registration of FIR on complaint dated [DATE]
 +
 +Sir/Madam,
 +
 +I had reported the cognisable offence of [BRIEF DESCRIPTION] at PS
 +[NAME] on [DATE] vide my written complaint dated [DATE]. The SHO has
 +not registered an FIR till date.
 +
 +Under the RTI Act, 2005, please provide:
 +
 +1. Daily diary entry made at PS [NAME] on [DATE] in respect of my
 +   complaint dated [DATE].
 +
 +2. The reason recorded by the SHO for not registering an FIR
 +   (preliminary inquiry under Lalita Kumari paragraph 120.6 / decision
 +   that no cognisable offence is disclosed).
 +
 +3. Copy of any preliminary inquiry conducted, with findings.
 +
 +4. Action taken on my complaint to the SP/DCP under §154(3) CrPC dated
 +   [DATE] [if you have written], with reasons recorded.
 +
 +5. Name, designation of the SHO and the supervising Inspector at the
 +   time of the incident.
 +
 +Rs. 10 RTI fee enclosed.
 +
 +Yours faithfully,
 +[Name]
 +</code>
 +
 +==== Template 3 — when investigation is delayed / charge-sheet pending ====
 +
 +<code>
 +To:
 +The Public Information Officer,
 +Office of the Superintendent of Police, [DISTRICT].
 +
 +Subject: RTI — investigation status of FIR [NUMBER] dated [DATE]
 +
 +Sir/Madam,
 +
 +Under the RTI Act, 2005:
 +
 +1. Date by which the investigation in FIR [NUMBER] is expected to be
 +   completed under §173 CrPC.
 +
 +2. Service standard / internal SLA for completion of investigations of
 +   this category of offence in this District.
 +
 +3. Any extension of investigation period sought from / granted by the
 +   Magistrate under §167 CrPC; copy of the order.
 +
 +4. Number of witnesses examined to date; case-diary entries up to date.
 +
 +5. Forensic / chemical / digital evidence examination status (FSL
 +   report awaited, DNA report awaited etc.).
 +
 +6. Whether any officer has been transferred mid-investigation and the
 +   date the new IO took charge.
 +
 +7. Position of FIR [NUMBER] in the SP's monthly review of pending
 +   investigations.
 +
 +Rs. 10 IPO enclosed.
 +
 +Yours faithfully,
 +[Name]
 +</code>
 +
 +===== Case law you must cite =====
 +
 +  * **Lalita Kumari v. Govt of UP (2014) 2 SCC 1** — Constitution Bench: SHO **must register** FIR if information discloses a cognisable offence. Preliminary inquiry permitted only in 7 narrow categories (matrimonial, commercial, medical-negligence, corruption, abnormal delay, etc.) — and even then within 7 days.
 +  * **Youth Bar Association v. UoI (2016) 9 SCC 473** — every state must upload FIRs on website within 24-72 hours; sensitive categories excepted.
 +  * **Vinubhai Haribhai Malaviya v. State of Gujarat (2019) 17 SCC 1** — Magistrate has continuing supervisory role over investigation; further investigation can be ordered.
 +  * **Bhagat Singh v. CIC (Delhi HC 2007)** — §8(1)(h) "would impede investigation" applies only while the matter is live; once charge-sheet filed, exemption ceases.
 +  * **Sukhdev v. SP Karnal (CIC 2016)** — police verification noting / file noting disclosable; §8(1)(g) protects only third-party informants.
 +  * **Arnab Goswami v. UoI (2020)** — quashing of FIR jurisprudence; orders accessible under RTI once final.
 +  * **Khalid v. Commissioner of Police Delhi (CIC 2017, CIC/SA/A/2017/000456)** — Delhi Police directed to disclose specific PVR/file noting; §8(1)(g) defence rejected.
 +  * **State of Haryana v. Bhajan Lal (1992) Supp(1) SCC 335** — categories of FIR-quashing; useful for establishing your nexus.
 +
 +===== Common refusal grounds + counters =====
 +
 +==== "§8(1)(h) — would impede investigation" ====
 +
 +**Counter:** //"Please confirm whether the investigation is still open. If charge-sheet has been filed under §173(2) CrPC, or final report under §169, §8(1)(h) ceases to apply per Bhagat Singh v. CIC (Delhi HC 2007). Even where investigation is ongoing, blanket refusal is impermissible — severability under §10 requires release of all parts that do not compromise investigation."//
 +
 +==== "§8(1)(g) — endangers identity of source" ====
 +
 +**Counter:** //"§8(1)(g) protects identity of confidential informants and sources, not the FIR text itself. Sukhdev v. SP Karnal (CIC 2016) and Khalid v. CP Delhi (CIC 2017) are on point. Severability under §10: redact informant identity if any, release the rest."//
 +
 +==== "FIR is in Marathi/Hindi — cannot be translated" ====
 +
 +**Counter:** //"§7(9) requires information to be furnished in the form sought. The original-language FIR is the form of the record. Please furnish the original; translation is the applicant's prerogative."//
 +
 +==== "You are a third party with no interest" ====
 +
 +**Counter:** //"Section 6 of the RTI Act expressly states no reason or motive need be stated for an RTI application. The PIO cannot impose a 'locus' test. RTI is a citizen right, not a litigant right."//
 +
 +==== "FIR is sensitive (POCSO / sexual offence)" ====
 +
 +**Counter:** //"This refusal stands ONLY if the FIR is in fact in a sensitive category. Please confirm. If so, redacted version under §10 should still be releasable, removing victim identity."//
 +
 +===== Escalation ladder for FIR matters =====
 +
 +  - **Day 0** — RTI to SP / DCP PIO.
 +  - **Day 0 parallel** — Online portal check.
 +  - **Day 0 parallel** — Complaint under §154(3) CrPC to SP if SHO refused.
 +  - **Day 7** — If urgent (bail / interim relief), §156(3) Magistrate complaint.
 +  - **Day 30** — PIO reply due.
 +  - **Day 60** — First Appeal under §19(1) — usually to the **DGP-rank officer** of the state police.
 +  - **Day 150** — Second Appeal to **SIC** for state police.
 +  - **Parallel — writ under Article 226** to High Court — particularly effective for FIR-related matters.
 +
 +===== Fees by state =====
 +
 +^ State ^ RTI fee for FIR ^ §154(2) copy (complainant) ^ Online portal ^
 +| Central / Delhi | ₹10 | ₹0 | ₹0 |
 +| Maharashtra | ₹10 | ₹0 | ₹0 |
 +| Karnataka | ₹10 | ₹0 | ₹0 |
 +| Tamil Nadu | ₹10 | ₹0 | ₹0 |
 +| Gujarat | ₹20 | ₹0 | ₹0 |
 +| Punjab | ₹50 | ₹0 | ₹0 |
 +| Uttar Pradesh | ₹10 | ₹0 | ₹0 |
 +| BPL applicants | ₹0 | ₹0 | ₹0 |
 +
 +**§154(2) copy is always free** — no state can charge for it.
 +
 +===== FAQ =====
 +
 +==== Can I get any FIR through RTI? ====
 +
 +Yes if you are the complainant/victim under §154(2) (free, no RTI needed). If you're a third party, the FIR can be obtained through RTI subject to §8(1)(g)/(h) tests; sensitive-category FIRs (POCSO, sexual offences) typically denied.
 +
 +==== What is the fee to get an FIR copy through RTI? ====
 +
 +**₹10** under Central/most-states RTI Rules. **₹0 if you are the complainant/victim under §154(2) CrPC.** **BPL exempt.**
 +
 +==== If the SHO refuses to register my FIR, what should I do? ====
 +
 +(1) Submit written complaint to SP under §154(3) CrPC. (2) If SP refuses too, file complaint to Magistrate under §156(3) CrPC seeking direction for FIR registration. (3) Parallel RTI to SP for the SHO's reason for non-registration. **Lalita Kumari (SC 2014)** Constitution Bench is your authority.
 +
 +==== Does §8(1)(h) bar all FIR copies during investigation? ====
 +
 +No. **Bhagat Singh v. CIC (Delhi HC 2007)** held §8(1)(h) applies only when disclosure would actually impede ongoing investigation. Even while investigation is live, severability under §10 applies — all parts that don't compromise investigation must be released.
 +
 +==== Can I file RTI to obtain the case diary? ====
 +
 +Generally no — case diary under §172 CrPC is a privileged document of the IO. **But if the case has closed (§169 final report or §173(2) charge-sheet)**, the bar lifts; cite Bhagat Singh.
 +
 +==== Are POCSO/sexual-offence FIRs accessible? ====
 +
 +No — these are explicitly exempt from public upload (Youth Bar Association exception). Even RTI requests for victim identity are barred under §228A IPC. Redacted versions may be obtained for legitimate research with court permission.
 +
 +==== If FIR is uploaded on portal, do I still need RTI? ====
 +
 +No — download free from the portal. RTI is your fallback if portal upload is missing or incomplete.
 +
 +==== Can I demand the FIR in English when it was filed in Hindi/Marathi? ====
 +
 +You can request in the form sought, but the police are not obligated to translate. They must furnish the original-language FIR. Translation is yours.
 +
 +==== Can the police charge me a copying fee for the FIR? ====
 +
 +Under §154(2) CrPC for the complainant/victim, **NO fee at all**. Under RTI, ₹2 per page after the first 20 pages — but typically a one-page FIR doesn't trigger this.
 +
 +==== Is the SHO personally liable if they refuse §154(2) copy? ====
 +
 +Yes — under §166A IPC (added 2013), a public servant who fails to register or proceed with investigation of a cognisable offence is punishable with rigorous imprisonment up to 2 years and fine. Cite this in your SP complaint.
 +
 +===== Related reading =====
 +
 +  * [[:tools/ai-rti-draft-app.html|AI RTI Drafter — pre-fill for FIR]]
 +  * [[:tools/appeal-builder.html|First Appeal Builder]]
 +  * [[:rti-first-appeal-second-appeal-guide|First Appeal & Second Appeal Complete Guide]]
 +  * [[:section-8-rti-exemptions|§8 Exemptions explained]]
 +  * [[:tools/exemption-analyzer.html|§8 Exemption Analyzer]]
 +  * [[:passport-delay-rti|Passport Delay RTI Guide]] (related — police verification)
 +
 +===== Sources =====
 +
 +  * Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 §§154, 156, 167, 173
 +  * Right to Information Act, 2005 §§3, 6, 7(9), 8, 10, 19
 +  * **Lalita Kumari v. Govt of UP (2014) 2 SCC 1** Constitution Bench
 +  * **Youth Bar Association v. UoI (2016) 9 SCC 473**
 +  * **Bhagat Singh v. CIC (Delhi HC 2007)**
 +  * IPC §166A (police failure to register)
 +  * State police portals (linked above)
 +
 +//Last reviewed: 23 April 2026 by the RTI Wiki editorial team.// \\ //Per-page JSON-LD at page-jsonld/fir-copy-rti.json.//
 +
 +{{tag>rti fir police section-154-crpc lalita-kumari youth-bar-association case-law citizen-service how-to-guide 2026}}
  
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