RTI for delayed FIR copy from police station
Filed an FIR in March, police station SHO is refusing to give me a free certified copy even though CrPC §154(2) mandates it. Can I use RTI to get the copy? What should the application say?
Know the practical answer?
Share the record to ask for, the authority to approach, or the next appeal step.
Discussion
3 repliesYes — RTI works well here, but it's actually two complaints stacked. Step-by-step:
1. §154(2) CrPC gives you the right to a free copy of the FIR. Send a written request to the SHO citing §154(2) + Lalita Kumari v State of UP (2014). 2. In parallel, file RTI to the SP/DCP asking for (a) copy of FIR No. X dated Y, (b) reason for delay in providing free copy under §154(2), (c) name of officer responsible. 3. If still no reply in 30 days — file First Appeal.
Full template + escalation: https://righttoinformation.wiki/rti-for-fir-copy Police-specific RTI tips: https://righttoinformation.wiki/police-rti-guide
The broader 'when RTI works as a complaint multiplier' approach is in Chapter 9 of The RTI Playbook.
Practical note — the 'name of officer responsible' question is the one that produces results fastest. Most copies appear within a week of that RTI being filed because individual accountability gets triggered.
Also worth noting — under Maharashtra Police Manual the SHO must give the copy at the time of FIR registration itself. Quoting your state police manual alongside §154(2) makes the application much harder to ignore.