Punjab's U-turn after backlash, withdraws Rs 80 fee for FIR downloads

The earlier decision had triggered widespread concern, with critics pointing out that FIRs are public documents and must remain freely accessible.

The Bhagwant Mann government in Punjab has rolled back its decision to charge Rs 80 for downloading FIR copies from the Saanjh portal, following the backlash from legal activists and opposition parties.

A government notification issued on March 25 clarified that no fee will be charged for accessing any FIR online. It also stated that applicants visiting Saanjh Kendras to obtain FIR copies will not be required to pay any fee.

The government changed course hours after a petition was filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which challenged the legality of the fee. The plea, filed by advocates Abhishek Malhotra and Vasu Ranjan Shandilya, argued that charging for downloading an FIR was contrary to established legal provisions and court rulings.

"Charging Rs 80 for downloading an FIR copy and 100 rupees for a DDR copy in Punjab is not just a fee but also a barrier to justice," said the petition. The petitioners contended that imposing a charge could create barriers for economically weaker sections seeking justice, thereby undermining fundamental rights.

The earlier decision had triggered widespread concern, with critics pointing out that FIRs are public documents and must remain freely accessible.

Legal experts emphasised that both statutory provisions and past Supreme Court observations mandate that complainants are entitled to a free copy of the FIR, adding that broader public access should not be restricted through fees.