Issue of fees for downloading FIRs reaches High Court; call it violation of ‘Fundamental Rights’

March 25, 2026

The issue of imposition of an ₹80 fee for downloading copies of FIRs in Punjab has reached the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Two Advocates, namely, Vasu Ranjan Shandilya and Abhishek Malhotra, filed this petition in the High Court.

The petitioners contend that this fee constitutes a violation of the fundamental rights of the general public. They have sought the immediate quashing of all such charges by the High Court. The matter is expected to come up for hearing shortly. Meanwhile, a delegation of lawyers has met with Special DGP A.S. Rai regarding this very issue.

FIR is a Public Document; Fee is Unjustified

In the petition filed before the High Court, Advocates Abhishek Malhotra and Vasu Ranjan Shandilya stated that the Punjab Police is charging ₹80 for downloading FIRs from its ‘Saanjh’ portal/app, which is improper. They asserted that the law mandates that a copy of the FIR be provided to the victim or the complainant free of cost.

The Supreme Court has also previously held that FIRs should be uploaded online to enable the public to view and download them free of charge. Furthermore, the extant police regulations explicitly stipulate that no fee shall be levied for providing a copy of an FIR.

The petition further argues that levying such a fee infringes upon the fundamental rights of citizens, as it creates impediments for the underprivileged in accessing justice. Since an FIR is a public document, no separate fee should be charged for viewing or obtaining a copy thereof.

The Notification Must Be Quashed

Both advocates have prayed that the Court quash the specific notification or policy under which this fee has been imposed. They have sought directions to the Punjab Police to immediately restore free digital access to FIRs and DDRs (Daily Diary Reports) on their portal. Additionally, they have demanded that the ₹80 illegally collected from the petitioner be refunded with interest.