SOCIAL INJUSTICE NEAR YOU: A LEGAL PERSPECTIVE

The Crisis of FIR Registration in Pakistan

In Pakistan, the first step towards justice often never happens. The failure of police to register First Information Reports (FIRs) is one of the most persistent and damaging forms of social injustice in our legal system. While laws exist to ensure that every victim of a cognizable offence can have their complaint recorded, in practice, countless people are turned away or ignored at police stations. This denial not only prevents justice but also emboldens criminals, leaving citizens vulnerable.

 Legal Framework: Section 154 CrPC

Under Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, every piece of information about a cognizable offence must be written down by the police and read back to the person giving it. This makes it mandatory for police to record such information without delay or discrimination. Yet, reality often tells another story. In many cases, victims are asked for bribes, told there is “no jurisdiction,” or simply asked to come back later. Sometimes, police refuse to register the FIR to keep crime statistics low or to protect influential offenders

A Common Reality

It is not uncommon for people to face situations where their safety is directly threatened, yet no timely help arrives. I have witnessed incidents where armed individuals harass citizens in public places, and despite repeated calls for help, the police fail to respond. This leaves ordinary people feeling unprotected and questioning whether the system will stand for them when they need it most.

Judicial Viewpoint:

Muhammad Bashir Case Courts in Pakistan have repeatedly stressed the importance of FIR registration. One notable example is Muhammad Bashir v. Station House Officer, Okara Cantt. and others (PLD 2007 SC 539). In this case, the Supreme Court held that the police are bound to register an FIR once they receive information about a cognizable offence. The Court stated that the purpose of Section 154 is to set the criminal law in motion, and any refusal to register an FIR is a violation of the law. The ruling was clear. Police have no authority to decide whether or not a case is worth registering at this stage. That determination comes later, after investigation.

 Why It Persists

Despite such clear judicial guidance, FIR refusal still happens. This raises the question, why can it not be stopped? The answer lies in a mix of systemic corruption, political pressure, lack of accountability, and public unawareness. Many victims do not know their rights or cannot afford legal representation to challenge police inaction. Others fear retaliation from powerful offenders. The consequences are serious. When FIRs are not registered, evidence is lost, witnesses disappear, and the trail of justice goes cold. Offenders walk free, often committing more crimes. The refusal to record FIRs also fuels the public’s perception that the law serves only the influential, not the ordinary citizen.

Remedies When Police Refuse FIR Registration

If the police refuse to register an FIR despite Section 154, the victim has legal options. Under Sections 22-A and 22-B of the Code of Criminal Procedure, a person can approach the Justice of Peace and request an order to compel the police to register the FIR. In Punjab, a written application can also be made to the Station House Officer (SHO) or the District Police Officer (DPO) to create a formal record of the refusal. Section 156 allows the police to start investigating any cognizable offence without needing court approval, while Section 161 enables them to record witness statements during the investigation. Together, these laws make it clear that the police must act promptly once a crime is reported. 

 Conclusion and Way Forward

Justice begins with the simple act of recording a complaint. When this step is denied, the entire legal process collapses before it starts. To end FIR refusals, people must know their rights under Section 154 CrPC, and officers who ignore the law must face strict discipline. Independent complaint systems, free from police influence, should be made available, and legal awareness must spread at the community level. Only then can the law truly serve every citizen equally.

 References for research:

1. Punjab Code – Code of Criminal Procedure

2. PLD 2007 SC 539 – Muhammad Bashir case summary

​3. Human Rights Commission of Pakistan report