The Apex Court, on 12 November, ruled that it is mandatory for police to register an FIR if a complainant approaches it for registration of a cognizable offence. A constitution bench comprising of five judges headed by Chief Justice P Sathasivam said that action will be taken against the police officers who fail to register a First Information Report (FIR) on complaints of a cognizable offence.
The legislative intent is for compulsory registration of FIR in case of cognizable offence, said Chief Justice Sathasivam in a statement. The preliminary investigation has to be completed within seven days and its purpose is only to find out whether or not it gives information about a serious offence to test the veracity of the complaint, the Supreme Court said. The court further added that the preliminary investigation prior to the registration is permissible in cases relating to disputes in matrimony, corruption, financial dealings and certain other categories.