Criticising the practice of conducting inquiries before registering FIRs, the Bench remarked that the police appeared to be putting the cart before the horse. (File)The Punjab and Haryana High Court has expressed concern over recurring complaints that the police are not registering FIRs even when information discloses cognisable offences. The court has directed the Directors General of Police of Punjab and Haryana, as well as the competent authority in Chandigarh, to submit detailed affidavits explaining the lapses and outlining action taken against erring officers.The order was passed over two months after a Bench took suo motu cognisance of a representation by the High Court Bar Association alleging that an FIR had not been registered in connection with an assault on a lawyer.A Bench led by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu noted that the incident had occurred in December and that the FIR was eventually registered on December 16, 2025. The court observed that the police took nearly 15 days to lodge the FIR, even though the complaint, on the face of it, disclosed a cognisable offence.The Bench also referred to additional applications filed by members of the Bar, highlighting similar instances where information regarding cognisable offences had been provided but FIRs were not registered.Underscoring the legal position, the court said Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure makes it mandatory for the police to register an FIR once information revealing a cognisable offence is received. It clarified that the police must first register the FIR and only thereafter proceed with inquiry or investigation.The Bench pointed out that in several cases cited before it, FIRs had still not been registered despite clear allegations of cognisable offences, in apparent disregard of the statutory mandate.The court reiterated that the law on the issue had been conclusively settled by the Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court in Lalita Kumari versus Government of Uttar Pradesh. It noted that only in exceptional situations has the apex court permitted a brief preliminary inquiry, and that too limited to ascertaining whether a cognisable offence is made out, without examining the truthfulness of the allegations.Story continues below this adCriticising the practice of conducting inquiries before registering FIRs, the Bench remarked that the police appeared to be putting the cart before the horse.In one matter, the court observed that a closure report had been filed without an FIR having been registered in the first place, describing the approach as beyond legal comprehension. In its operative directions, the High Court asked the DGPs of Punjab and Haryana and the Chandigarh authority concerned to explain through affidavits why FIRs were not being registered despite receipt of information disclosing cognisable offences, and to detail the steps taken against officials who failed to comply with the law laid down by the Supreme Court. The case has been posted for further hearing after two weeks.Manraj Grewal Sharma is a senior journalist and the Resident Editor of The Indian Express in Chandigarh, where she leads the newspaper’s coverage of north India’s most politically and institutionally significant regions. From Punjab and Haryana to Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, she oversees reporting at the intersection of governance, law, politics and society. She also reports on the diaspora, especially in Canada and the US. With a career spanning journalism across several countries, academia and international development, Manraj brings a rare depth of perspective to regional reporting. She is widely regarded as a leading chronicler of Punjab’s contemporary history and socio-political evolution, particularly its long shadow of militancy, federal tensions and identity politics. Her book, Dreams after Darkness, remains a definitive account of the militancy years and their enduring aftermath. Professional Background & Expertise A gold medalist in mass communication and a post-graduate in English literature, Manraj has a multifaceted career spanning journalism, academia, and international development. She was also awarded a fellowship by National Foundation of India and did several in-depth pieces on Manipur. Internationally, she has reported from Israel, US, UK, Myanmar, and Mauritius Her key focus areas include: Regional Politics, History, Agriculture, Diaspora, and Security. Of late, she has started focusing on Legal & Judicial Affairs: Much of her recent work involves reporting on high-stakes cases in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, ranging from environmental policy to civil rights. International Consulting: She previously served as a consulting editor for the Asia Pacific Adaptation Network and a publishing consultant for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila. Academia: For five years, she was the managing editor of Gender, Technology and Development, a peer-reviewed international journal at the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reportage focuses heavily on judicial interventions and regional governance: 1. Environment & Governance "‘NGT can’t test legality of policy’: HC hears challenge to Punjab’s ‘Green Habitat’ plan" (Dec 22, 2025): Covering a critical legal battle over whether the National Green Tribunal has the authority to strike down a state policy regularizing farmhouses on delisted forest land. "High court pulls up Punjab poll panel over audio clip probe" (Dec 10, 2025): Reporting on judicial concerns regarding the transparency and fairness of local body elections. 2. Legal Rights & Social Welfare "HC issues notice to Punjab, Haryana over delay in building old age homes" (Dec 22, 2025): Reporting on a contempt petition against top officials for failing to establish government-run homes for the elderly as promised in 2019. "Victims can appeal acquittals in sessions court without seeking special leave" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant procedural shift in criminal law following a Supreme Court ruling. "HC upholds benefits for Punjab FCI officer acquitted in 20-year-old bribery case" (Dec 19, 2025): A report on the concept of "honourable acquittal" and its impact on employee benefits. 3. Human Rights & Identity "As Punjab denies parole to MP Amritpal Singh, HC asks it to submit ‘foundational material’" (Dec 1, 2025): Covering the legal proceedings regarding the radical preacher and sitting MP's request to attend Parliament. "Protecting life paramount: HC backs Muslim woman in live-in after verbal divorce" (Nov 6, 2025): Analyzing judicial protections for personal liberty in the context of traditional practices. Signature Beats Manraj is recognized for her ability to decode complex judicial rulings and relate them to the everyday lives of citizens. Whether it is a 30-year-old land battle in Fazilka or the political implications of Kangana Ranaut’s candidacy in Mandi, her writing provides deep historical and regional context. Contact @grewal_sharma on X manrajgrewalsharma on Instagram ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Punjab and Haryana High Court