No third party can download FIR from new T.N. police website

The recently launched website of the Tamil Nadu police does not allow a third party or members of the general public to view or download First Information Reports (FIRs). Only the accused, the victim, or the complainant in a case can access and download the FIR through the portal.

The website has been developed and integrated with CCTNS 2.0 (Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems) and linked to the Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS). This integration enables real-time data sharing with courts, forensic science laboratories, prisons, and prosecution departments. Key ICJS applications such as e-Sakshya and e-Summon have been implemented across the State to strengthen digital evidence management and ensure the electronic service of summons.

Concerns raised

However, defence advocates say that even they have not been given access to the portal.

S. Karthikeyan, an advocate, raised concerns from a citizen’s perspective. To access most services under CCTNS 2.0, individuals are required to register their personal details, including their mobile number and email ID, and create login credentials. This, he said, places non-literate, rural, and elderly citizens at a disadvantage, as they may have to rely on private browsing centres for registration. He also questioned whether the mandatory collection of personal information complies with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.

M. Palanimuthu, another advocate practising in the High Court, said, “If access is provided, it would greatly benefit all stakeholders and save valuable court time. From serving copies of applications to prosecutors and investigating officers to communicating requests to prison authorities on behalf of inmates — such as seeking medical facilities — the portal could streamline several processes.”

“A separate login ID and password for advocates would enable them to interact with officials on behalf of clients and provide electronic acknowledgement of submissions,” he said.

Despite improvements and technological advancements, documents downloaded by concerned parties from the website are often unclear, advocates said, adding that this could adversely affect accident claim cases.

Privacy issues

Sources in the State Crime Records Bureau said the new website was designed after thorough deliberation. While third parties were allowed to access FIRs on the old website, this facility has now been withdrawn. Only the victim, accused, or complainant whose mobile number was entered into the system at the time of FIR registration can access the document. Others cannot retrieve it.

They argued that allowing third-party access to FIRs in criminal cases through an open platform would compromise the complainant’s privacy. For instance, in cases of hurt or criminal intimidation, the specific abusive words allegedly used by the accused would become public. Similarly, in theft or robbery cases, details of household items could be disclosed, they said.

“FIR being a public document cannot be prevented from being accessed, except in rare cases where the victim’s privacy has to be protected/masked. The ⁠Madras High Court, back in May 2025, had directed to make CCTNS 2.0 to be implemented by September 2025. The State had already delayed it. ⁠By denying access to the FIR to the press and the public, they are being deprived of their legal right and access to justice,” opined Naveenkumar Murthy, an advocate.