THE LODESTAR OF JUSTICE: EXAMINING THE FIRST INFORMATION REPORT UNDER THE BHARTIYA NAGARIK SURAKSHA SANHITA

AUTHOR – GOPAL JEE TIWARI, STUDENT AT GAUTAM BUDDHA UNIVERSITY

BEST CITATION – GOPAL JEE TIWARI, THE LODESTAR OF JUSTICE: EXAMINING THE FIRST INFORMATION REPORT UNDER THE BHARTIYA NAGARIK SURAKSHA SANHITA, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (7) OF 2025, PG. 537-542, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

Abstract:

The First Information Report (FIR) stands as the landmark pillar upon which the structure of criminal justice in India is built. It is the formal induction of the investigative process, effected by information relating to the commission of a cognizable offense. This paper examines the significance of the FIR within the framework of the newly formed Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), which replaces the colonial-era Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. By analyzing the relevant provisions of the BNSS, this paper studies the procedural nuances of FIR registration, it is evidentiary value, the rights of the informant and the accused, and the expected impact of the new Sanhita on this first step towards justice. Additionally, it will consider the progress and challenges introduced by the BNSS regarding FIR, including provisions for e-FIR and preliminary inquiries, and ultimately examine their value in promoting a fair, transparent, and efficient criminal justice system.

Keywords:

First Information Report (FIR), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Cognizable Offence, Investigation, Rights of Informant, Rights of Accused, E-FIR, Preliminary Inquiry, Criminal Justice System.