An FIR is a written report to the police about which type of offense, and when should it be recorded?

• A. Cognizable offense; recorded promptly when information is received.
• B. Non-cognizable offense; recorded after investigation completes.
• C. Any offense; recorded at police discretion.
• D. Offenses triable by magistrate; recorded after inquiry.

Answer: (A)

An FIR is the written report of information to the police about a cognizable offense, and it must be recorded promptly on receiving that information. This aligns with CrPC provisions that require information relating to a cognizable offense to be reduced to writing by the officer in charge, read back to the informant, and a copy given. The emphasis on prompt recording ensures that facts are preserved and the investigation can begin without delay, since authorities may act without a warrant in cognizable cases. Non-cognizable offenses do not trigger an FIR for immediate police action, so the idea of recording after investigation or for any offense isn’t correct. FIRs aren’t tied to inquiries or magistrate-led processes; they mark the starting point of action for cognizable offenses.