Section 173 of the BNSS lets you report a cognizable offence electronically, through email, an online portal, or another recognised digital channel, not just by walking into a police station. This is separate from, but related to, the Zero FIR rule; here's how the electronic route actually works, including the signing requirement most people don't realise still applies.
What exactly counts as an e-FIR?
Under Section 173, information about a cognizable offence can be given "orally or by electronic communication." This opens the door to filing through email, a state's online portal, or other digital means the state government recognises, rather than requiring an in-person report as the only option.
Do I still need to sign anything?
Yes. Where information is given orally, it must be reduced to writing and read back to you, and every piece of information, whether originally written or reduced to writing, must be signed by the person giving it. For an e-FIR, this generally means visiting the station afterward to sign the recorded statement within a set window, so filing electronically is the first step, not the entire process.
Am I entitled to a copy of my e-FIR?
Yes, a free copy of the recorded information must be given to you, the informant or victim, immediately.
Will police always investigate right away after I file?
Not for every offence. For a cognizable offence punishable with 3 years or more but less than 7 years, the officer-in-charge may, with the prior permission of an officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police, either conduct a preliminary enquiry (to be completed within 14 days) to check whether a prima facie case exists, or move straight to investigation if one already does. This is a deliberate safeguard for this specific mid-range punishment band, not a general rule for all offences.
Does e-FIR filing mean I can skip the police station entirely?
Not entirely. While the initial report can be made electronically, most state procedures still require an in-person visit afterward, to sign the recorded statement and, for serious offences, to assist with evidence collection. Think of the electronic route as removing the need for that very first trip, not the whole process.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. E-FIR procedures vary by state; check your state police portal for the specific process.
Frequently asked questions
What is an e-FIR?
Under Section 173 BNSS, information about a cognizable offence can be given "orally or by electronic communication", meaning you can report it through email, an online portal, or another digital channel the state government recognises, rather than only in person at a police station.
Do I still need to sign my complaint if I file it electronically?
Yes. If your information is given orally, it must be reduced to writing and read back to you, and every piece of information, whether given in writing or reduced to writing, must be signed by the person giving it. For an e-FIR, you're generally required to visit the station to sign the recorded statement within a set window after filing electronically.
Am I entitled to a free copy of my FIR?
Yes. A copy of the information as recorded is required to be given to you, the informant or the victim, forthwith and free of cost.
Will police always investigate immediately after an e-FIR?
Not always, for a specific category of offences. For a cognizable offence punishable with 3 years or more but less than 7 years, the officer-in-charge may, with prior permission from an officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police, either conduct a preliminary enquiry (to be completed within 14 days) to check whether a prima facie case exists, or proceed directly to investigation.
Does filing an e-FIR mean I don't need to visit a police station at all?
Not entirely. While the initial report can be made electronically, most state procedures require you to visit the station afterward, to sign the recorded statement and to formally complete the process, particularly if the offence is serious or evidence needs to be collected in person.