Mumbai Police Stations Face Scrutiny Over Delayed FIR Uploads

A decade after the Supreme Court directed states to publish First Information Reports (FIRs) online within 24 hours of registration, several Mumbai police stations are allegedly failing to follow the mandate.

The Supreme Court's directive was issued on September 7, 2016, in response to a Public Interest Litigation filed by a group of lawyers in the Bombay High Court. The petition sought online access to FIRs so that accused persons could obtain copies promptly while applying for anticipatory bail.

Activists have alleged that delayed or irregular uploads have occurred at multiple police stations, including Nagpada, Oshiwara, Marine Drive, Malabar Hill, Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Shivaji Park, Juhu, Aarey, Amboli, Versova, and Worli. The delays have ranged from 10 days to a month, and in some cases, FIRs have not been published at all.

The online publication of FIRs is crucial as it enables accused persons to seek legal remedies without waiting for physical copies and helps prevent backdating or tampering with records. However, activists claim that FIRs concerning celebrities and politically sensitive matters are selectively withheld or concealed on the Maharashtra Police portal.

Activist Kamlakar Shenoy has stated that delayed publication undermines transparency and could prejudice the rights of affected persons. He demands that responsibility be fixed and departmental action initiated against officers found responsible. Citizens can seek action under Section 166A of the Indian Penal Code or Section 199 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deal with public servants disobeying directions under the law.

Another activist, Samir Zaveri, has said that failure to meet the court-mandated deadline amounts to dereliction of duty and violates Rule 3 of the Maharashtra Civil Services (Conduct) Rules. He believes that such failures must trigger swift departmental action against the police officers responsible.

A police officer from the Airport police station has attributed some delays to slow internet connectivity when police stations across Maharashtra upload FIRs simultaneously. The officer also mentioned that the uploading of older records burdens the system and that police are permitted to withhold FIRs involving sensitive matters.

Former Assistant Commissioner of Police Rajendra Trivedi has stated that the Senior Police Inspector, as head of the police station, is responsible for ensuring timely uploads, while the Crime Police Inspector also supervises the process. He believes that if FIRs are not uploaded or are uploaded with undue delay, it indicates a systemic failure and could also point to corruption. Action can be initiated under the rotational transfer policy against officers found responsible.

The issue of delayed FIR uploads is a significant concern, as it affects the transparency and accountability of the police department. The Supreme Court's directive was intended to ensure that FIRs are made available to the public in a timely manner, and it is essential that the Mumbai police stations comply with this mandate.

In conclusion, the delayed FIR uploads in Mumbai police stations are a matter of concern, and activists are demanding action against the responsible officers. The issue highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the police department, and it is essential that the authorities take immediate action to address this concern.

The situation has significant implications for the people of Mumbai, as delayed FIR uploads can prejudice the rights of affected persons and undermine the rule of law. It is crucial that the police department takes steps to ensure that FIRs are uploaded in a timely manner, and that those responsible for delays are held accountable.

The matter is a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in the police department, and the need for the authorities to take swift action to address concerns raised by activists and citizens.