Difference between FIR Registration Provisions U/S 154 CrPC & U/S 173 BNSS

Introduction 

The Supreme Court recently clarified the distinction between the provisions governing the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) and the conduct of preliminary inquiry under the Code of Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 (CrPC) and its replacement, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023(BNSS). 

• The Court observed that while Section 173(1) of BNSS is substantially similar to Section 154 CrPC regarding the recording of information, the additional provision of a preliminary inquiry under Section 173(3) before registering an FIR in certain cases is a significant departure. 

What is an FIR? 

• A First Information Report (FIR) is the first written document prepared by the police when they receive information about the commission of a cognizable offence. 
• It is a crucial document in the criminal justice system as it sets the criminal law in motion. 

Mandatory Registration of Information Relating to Cognizable Offences 

Section 154 of CrPC: 

Section 154(1) requires that every information relating to the commission of a cognizable offence, if given orally to an officer in charge of a police station, shall be: 

• Reduced to writing by the officer or under his direction. 
• Read over to the informant. 
• Signed by the informant. 
• Entered into a book in the prescribed form. 
• Key Features: 
  • Section 154 of CrPC does not provide for making any preliminary inquiry. 
  • If the information discloses the commission of a cognizable offence, it becomes mandatory to register the FIR. 
  • No further inquiry can be made by the police officer if the information discloses the commission of a cognizable offence. 

Section 173 of BNSS: 

Section 173(1) of BNSS is similar to Section 154 CrPC and states that every information relating to the commission of a cognizable offence, irrespective of the area where the offence is committed, may be given 

• Orally, or 
• By electronic communication to an officer in charge of a police station. 

If given orally, it must be: 

• Reduced to writing 
• Read over to the informant 
• Signed by the informant 
• Recorded in the prescribed manner 

Similarity with CrPC: 

Under both Section 154 of CrPC and Section 173(1) of BNSS, if the information discloses the commission of a cognizable offence, it is mandatory to register the FIR. 

Significant Departure: Preliminary Inquiry Under Section 173(3) BNSS 

Sub-section (3) of Section 173 of the BNSS makes a significant departure from Section 154 of the CrPC. 

Provision for Preliminary Inquiry: 

Section 173(3) provides that when information relating to the commission of a cognizable offence which is made punishable for 3 years or more but less than 7 years is received by an officer-in-charge of a police station: 

• With the prior permission of a superior officer (of at least the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police). 
• The police officer is empowered to conduct a preliminary inquiry. 
• The purpose is to ascertain whether there exists a prima facie case for proceeding in the matter. 

Exception to Mandatory Registration: 

Sub-section (3) of Section 173 of BNSS is an exception to sub-section (1) of Section 173. 

In the category of cases covered by sub-section (3): 

• A police officer is empowered to make a preliminary inquiry to ascertain whether a prima facie case is made out for proceeding in the matter. 
• This applies even if the information received discloses commission of any cognizable offence. 
• Sub-section (3) explicitly refers to receiving information relating to the commission of a cognizable offence. 

Post-Inquiry Action: 

Following the preliminary inquiry: 

• If a prima facie case is found, the FIR must be registered immediately. 
• If not, the informant must be informed. 
• The informant can use the remedy under sub-section (4) of Section 173 and approach the Superintendent of Police. 

Comparison of Preliminary Inquiry Provisions 

Under Section 154 CrPC (As per Lalita Kumari v. Govt. of U.P.): 

• If the information clearly discloses a cognizable offence, the registration of the FIR is mandatory. 
• A preliminary inquiry is not permissible when the information discloses a cognizable offence. 
• A preliminary inquiry may only be conducted, in limited circumstances, when the information does not disclose a cognizable offence but indicates the necessity for an inquiry. 
• Scope of Inquiry: The inquiry under Section 154 CrPC is only to verify whether the information discloses a cognizable offence. 

Under Section 173(3) BNSS: 

• Discretion is provided to the officer to conduct a preliminary inquiry to establish a prima facie case. 
• This applies even when the information discloses a cognizable offence. 
• The purpose is to avoid FIR registration in frivolous cases where the alleged offence, although cognizable, is punishable with imprisonment of three years or more but less than seven years. 
• Scope of Inquiry: The preliminary inquiry under Section 173(3) is to ascertain whether a prima facie case exists for proceeding in the matter. 

Determining Whether Information Discloses a Cognizable Offence 

Reading and Understanding Content: 

In case of alleged offences under certain sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), such as Section 196 (which is punishable for up to three years), the Court emphasized that: 

• The officer must read and understand the words to determine whether they amount to an offence. 
• This does not amount to preliminary inquiry impermissible under sub-section (1) of Section 173 BNSS. 

What is Permissible? 

The police officer to whom information is furnished will have to: 

• Read or hear the words written or spoken. 
• Taking the same as correct, decide whether an offence is made out. 
• Reading of written words or hearing spoken words is necessary to determine. 
• Whether the contents make out a case of the commission of a cognizable offence. 

Applicable to Multiple Offences: 

• The same applies to offences punishable under Sections 197, 299 and 302 of the BNS. 
• Therefore, to ascertain whether the information received makes out a cognizable offence, the officer must consider the meaning of the spoken or written words. This act will not amount to making a preliminary inquiry which is not permissible under sub-section (1) of Section 173. 

Key Differences: CrPC vs BNSS 

Conclusion 

The introduction of Section 173(3) in the BNSS represents a significant legislative development in the criminal justice system. It provides law enforcement officers with a valuable tool to filter out frivolous complaints while ensuring that genuine cases are properly investigated. 

This provision strikes a balance between: 

• Protecting individuals from harassment through false or frivolous FIRs. 
• Ensuring that legitimate complaints are not dismissed without proper consideration. 
• Safeguarding fundamental rights, particularly the freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a). 

The Supreme Court's clarification provides much-needed guidance on when and how this discretionary power should be exercised, emphasizing the importance of using this provision judiciously to prevent misuse of criminal law while maintaining the rule of law.