Explore Possibility Of Registering e-FIRs, Especially In Cases Of Crimes Against Women: Orissa High Court Directs DGP

A Single Judge Bench of Dr. Justice Sanjeeb Kumar Panigrahi was hearing a criminal miscellaneous petition filed by a woman, who approached the High Court for non-registration of FIR based on her complaint.

Sailaza Nandan Das, Additional Standing Counsel for the State submitted that in the meantime the said complaint has been registered as an FIR. Therefore, the Court found the grievance of the petitioner to have been redressed. However, having regard to the increasing cases of crimes against women and institutional lethargy in quick registration of FIRs, the Court directed:

"The Director General of Police, Odisha is directed to explore the possibility of registration of e-F.I.R. in the State. The registration of e-F.I.R. especially in cases of crimes against women will go to a long way in combating crimes against women and ensure better women safety and security. He is also directed to file the reply before this Court within fifteen days regarding possibility of having a system of registration of e-F.I.R. in the State."

The DGP has also been directed to file response on the above proposal within fifteen days. The matter is now listed for further hearing on 5^th January 2023.

Case Title: JP v. State of Odisha & Ors.

Case No.: CRLMP No. 2302 of 2022

Order Dated: 5^th December 2022

Coram: Dr. S.K. Panigrahi, J.

Counsel for the Petitioner: Mr. A.K. Mohapatra, Advocate

Counsel for the Respondents: Mr. S.N. Das, Additional Standing Counsel

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