Reviewed case brief
Lalita Kumari v. State of UP
(2014) 2 SCC 1
The Constitution Bench decision settling the long-standing controversy on whether FIR registration is mandatory or discretionary upon receiving information of a cognizable offence.
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Year
- 2014
- Subjects
- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
- Reviewed
- 2026-06-29
Rule established
Registration of FIR is mandatory under S.154 CrPC (now S.173 BNSS) when information discloses a cognizable offence. Preliminary inquiry (max 7 days) permissible only where cognizability is unclear.
Facts
Issues
Held
Ratio decidendi
How to use it in an exam
Editorial source
SCC
Educational summary only. Read the reported judgment or an authorised law report before relying on the case professionally.