In Brief
The Supreme Court addressed a petition seeking to mandate the upload of all First Information Reports (FIRs) on police websites within 24 hours of registration. The Court held that while accused persons are entitled to early access to FIRs before formal disclosure under Section 207 of the CrPC, blanket public disclosure must be balanced against sensitivity concerns. FIRs should be uploaded within 24 hours (extendable for connectivity issues) except for sensitive cases involving sexual offences, terrorism, insurgency, and similar matters. Access can be restricted only by senior officers, with a grievance mechanism before the Superintendent of Police and the option to seek court-ordered disclosure within three days.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.