Statutes Discussed

• Section 154 of Cr.P.C. provides for giving information to Police in cognizable cases, which is termed as First Information Report and is supposed to be the earliest information setting the criminal law into motion; no provision permits multiple informations for the same occurrence [22000360340003] • Section 482 of Cr.P.C. invoked for quashment of FIR (!) • Sections 178 and 179 of Cr.P.C. referenced regarding jurisdiction for lodging complaints where part of cause of action arises (!) • Section 162 of Cr.P.C. noted as prohibiting further complaints that improve on original facts after investigation starts (!) (!) • Section 173 of Cr.P.C. mentioned in sequence of investigation process following FIR registration (!)

Case Laws Discussed

No relevant case laws discussed found in the judgment text.

Ratio Decidendi

• When multiple FIRs relate to the same occurrence, apply the test of "sameness" to determine if they pertain to the same incident; if so, only the first registered FIR sets criminal law into motion, and the second FIR cannot be maintained as independent [22000360340004] (!) [22000360340008] (!) • Date of actual registration determines which FIR is first, even if a complaint was received or written earlier but not registered timely; delayed registration makes it the second FIR (!) (!) (!) [22000360340011]

Court Observations

• There is no provision in law permitting multiple information being given to police of the same occurrence; FIR is the earliest information that sets criminal law into motion [22000360340003] • In this case, both FIRs narrate the very same story of physical and mental cruelty from the beginning of married life, with nearly identical allegations, satisfying the test of sameness and relating to the same occurrence [22000360340008] • FIR at Mahila Police Station registered on 27.03.2021 set criminal law into motion; Malkangiri FIR registered later on 03.04.2021 despite earlier receipt of complaint, due to police inaction, is the second FIR (!) (!) (!) (!) • Once criminal law is set into motion by first FIR, further information relating to same occurrence can only supplement it, not be treated as independent FIR (!)

Final Conclusion

• FIR registered by Mahila Police Station on 27.03.2021 is the first FIR; second FIR by Malkangiri Police Station on 03.04.2021 cannot be maintained as independent FIR [22000360340011] • Directed IIC of Malkangiri Police Station to transmit second FIR and materials to IIC of Mahila Police Station [22000360340012]