PHAGWARA: The Punjab Government has introduced a nominal user charge of ₹80 for downloading First Information Reports (FIRs) from official online platforms, a move aimed at streamlining citizen services while retaining free access through conventional channels.
The decision follows a notification, revising rates for a range of public-facingsevices. police officials emphasised that the measure is part of a broader effort to standardise service delivery, strengthen digital infrastructure, and ensure sustainability of e-governance initiatives.
Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav and Special DGP Gurpreet Deo clarified that the core principle of citizen access remains fully protected. “The complainant will continue to receive a copy of the FIR free of cost from the concerned police station, as per law. The new charge applies only to optional online downloads, ” officials stated, underlining that no one is being denied access to this essential document.
They further reiterated that the accused can also obtain a copy of the FIR from the police station by following the existing procedure. The officials noted that the revised framework balances accessibility with administrative efficiency, particularly in managing high volumes of digital requests.
Highlighting the legal backdrop, Special DGP Gurpreet Deo Tuesday morning pointed to the directions of the Supreme Court of India in Youth Bar Association of India v. Union of India, which mandate that FIRs be uploaded online within 24 hours of registration, extendable to 48 to 72 hours in areas facing connectivity challenges. “Punjab Police remains fully compliant with these guidelines and continues to prioritise transparency, ” they said.
Deo added that the introduction of a minimal fee for online access is intended to enhance service reliability and maintain robust digital systems, given the substantial usage of online platforms. Data indicates that nearly 45, 000 FIRs are registered annually across Punjab, with lakhs of downloads recorded on the Saanjh portal over time.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to citizen-centric policing, Gurpreet Deo stated that the initiative should be viewed as a facilitative measure rather than a restrictive one. “Digital services involve operational costs, and this step ensures their continued efficiency while safeguarding free access at the grassroots level, ” she noted.
With the dual system of free physical access and affordable digital convenience, the Punjab Police maintains that the revised policy strengthens transparency, improves service delivery, and aligns with evolving governance needs in an increasingly digital era.