The Supreme Court directed all police departments in India on Wednesday to upload copies of first information reports on their official website within 24 hours, a move expected to make the legal system more transparent and people friendly.
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A bench comprising of Justices Dipak Misra and C Nagappan allowed the time up to 72 hours for uploading the FIRs for the police stations located in hard terrains with poor internet facilities. Accused persons can not take advantage of delay in uploading of FIRs and seek anticipatory bail on that ground, the court specified.
The SC said in case of an internet connectivity problem – such as in the Northeast or Jammu and Kashmir – the time to upload the FIR could be extended to 48-72 hours.
The court ordered while hearing a petition filed by the Youth Bar Association of India (YBAI). The apex court had issued notice to the Centre and States on May 2 this year.
The petitioner submitted that the FIR is a public document; however, it is not an easy task for the general public to obtain a copy of FIR from the police.
The court, however, exempted FIRs related to sensitive cases involving sexual offences or insurgency and terrorism.
Thereafter, the court later fixed the time limit to 24 hours. The PIL referred to a decision passed by the Delhi High Court in which the city police was directed to upload the FIRs on its website within 24 hours of being registered.
The decision to not post the FIRs in such cases would be taken by a police officer not below the rank of a Deputy Superintendent of Police or the District Magistrate, either of whom would have to communicate the decision to the jurisdictional magistrate.
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The directions for uploading of FIR in the website of all the States shall be given effect from 15th November, 2016.
