SHORT ANSWER:
An FIR (First Information Report) is a formal report of a cognizable offense, while a complaint is a statement made to the police or magistrate regarding an offense that may or may not be cognizable.
DETAILS:
- FIR is registered by the police when they receive information about a cognizable offense, allowing them to investigate without a warrant.
- A complaint can be made by any person to the police or magistrate about an offense, which may lead to an inquiry or investigation.
- FIRs are governed by Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), while complaints are addressed under Section 200 of the CrPC.
PUNISHMENT / IMPLICATIONS (if applicable):
- FIRs lead to immediate police action, while complaints may require further verification before action is taken.
SOURCE:
- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
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