The report does not constitute substantive evidence - It can be used only as a previous statement for thepurpose contemplated under Section 157 or Section 145 of the Evidence Act

Citation

AIR 1972 SUPREME COURT 283

SUPREME COURT

(From: Patna)

J. M. SHELAT , J. and I. D. DUA , J. and S. C. ROY , J.

Criminal Appeal No. 19 of 1967, D/- 23 - 8 - 1971

Hasib Appellant v. The State of Bihar Respondent.

(A)Criminal P.C. (5 of 1898), S.154 - Object and the use of first information report. XRef.:-Evidence Act (1 of 1872), S.145, S.157 -

The object of first information report from the point of view of the informant is to set the Criminal law

in motion. From the point of view of the investigating authorities it is to obtain information about the

alleged Criminal activity so as to be able to take suitable steps for tracing and bringing to book the

guilty party. The report does not constitute substantive evidence though it is important as conveying

the earliest information about the occurrence. It can be used only as a previous statement for the

purpose contemplated under Section 157 or Section 145 of the Evidence Act, that is for corroborating

or contradicting its maker and not of other witnesses.

 (Para 5)