Equal Digital Access to online FIRs and Protection of Accused Persons' Rights
Denial of online access/download of ordinary/non-sensitive FIRs to accused persons through the Uttarakhand Police/CCTNS portal despite such facility being available to complainants; seeking compliance with the Supreme Court directions in Youth Bar Association of India v. Union of India.
By judgment dated 23.09.2026, the High Court recorded that the FIR download system on the Citizen Portal and Mobile App was functional and that the petitioner’s grievance had been addressed. The Court further noted the State’s assurance to examine and enable a feature indicating FIRs not uploaded because they fall within sensitive categories. Since no other issue survived, the PIL proceedings were closed.
- 01Online access to non-sensitive FIRs for accused persons
- 02Compliance with Youth Bar Association of India v. Union of India
On 18.09.2026, the High Court recorded the State's submission that FIRs could be downloaded through the Citizen Portal and Devbhoomi Mobile App and that earlier technical problems had been addressed. On the petitioner’s submission that access to the app was unsuccessful that morning, the matter was directed to be listed the following week, and respondents were directed to ensure the presence of a technical person in Court on 23.09.2026 to demonstrate that the app is functional and FIRs can be downloaded.
On 23.09.2026, the High Court recorded a live demonstration showing that FIRs could be downloaded through the Citizen Portal/Mobile App after registration, noted the State’s assurance to examine and enable a feature indicating FIRs withheld due to sensitive offence categories, and closed the PIL as the petitioner’s concern stood addressed.
The respondents shall ensure presence of some technical person in the Court on 23.09.2026 to demonstrate before the Court that the App is functional and the FIRs could be downloaded.; In respect of FIRs relating to sensitive offences that are not required to be uploaded, the respondents should enable a feature on the system indicating the details of such FIRs and the reason why they are not available for downloading.; The respondents shall examine the said aspect and enable such a feature on the system.
List next week.; The respondents shall ensure presence of some technical person in the Court on 23.09.2026 to demonstrate before the Court that the App is functional and the FIRs could be downloaded.
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