Only accused and victim, not public, can view FIRs: HC

Madurai: Holding that except the accused and the victim, the public cannot, as a matter of right, view first information reports (FIR), Madras high court denied relief to an advocate who sought a direction to restore online public access to FIRs on the CCTNS (Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems) 2.0 web portal.Petitioner, advocate G Chidambaram of Tirunelveli district, said that previously, FIRs registered by Tamil Nadu police, except those relating to offences against women, sexual offences and SC/ST Act, were accessible online to the public. However, after the implementation of CCTNS 2.0 portal, public access to view FIRs is barred and FIRs are accessible only to the complainant and investigating officer. Hence, advocates and litigants are unable to access FIR details, which causes considerable delay in approaching courts for legal remedies, including anticipatory bail. The state submitted that after the launch of CCTNS 2.0 portal on Feb 26, citizens must register once by giving their basic details such as name, date of birth, mobile number etc., to obtain user credentials for certain services such as view FIR, FIR status, CSR status and paid services. After the one-time registration, any FIRs that are registered on or after Nov 14, 2026, are available under the 'View FIR'. Supreme Court had set out various guidelines on the subject matter. The state submitted that granting access to FIRs to all people creates some problems.A division bench of Justices N Sathish Kumar and M Jothiraman observed that sub-clause (2) of Section 173 of BNSS makes it clear that a copy of the information as recorded under sub-section (1) shall be given forthwith, free of cost, to the informant or the victim. "Therefore, the meaning of the words ‘any other person connected with the same' finds place in the direction of the Supreme Court, in our view, is only informant/complainant or the victim of the crime. In the judgment, the apex court also held that even prior to issuance of FIR copies as prescribed under Section 207 CrPC, an accused is entitled to get a copy of FIR," they said."Therefore, other than the accused and the victim, we are of the view that the public as a matter of right cannot view the FIRs. If any third party requires a copy of FIR, he/she may approach the concerned magistrate court seeking certified copy of FIR as per law," the judges observed and disposed of the petition.