Imagine losing a simple possession like a watch, only to face resistance while filing an FIR. This is the harsh reality for countless Indians dealing with minor thefts, where law enforcement often dismisses their grievances as trivial. Despite clear legal provisions requiring the registration of FIRs upon reporting an offense, systemic inefficiencies and biases leave citizens in the lurch.

Courts have repeatedly emphasized that FIRs must be registered immediately if the reported act constitutes an offense under the law. Yet, delays and denials are rampant. This reluctance stems partly from fears of misuse—false cases have sometimes led to unwarranted harassment. To counteract this, authorities have introduced layers of scrutiny, but these often serve as barriers rather than safeguards.

One of the significant issues is the inadequacy of police resources. With just 30 officers for every 10 lakh citizens in some areas, overburdened personnel are expected to juggle law enforcement, investigation, and security duties. This understaffing compromises their ability to address citizen complaints effectively.

A former official highlighted the misuse of General Diary (GD) entries, where police stations maintain dual records—one genuine and one manipulated—to show lower crime rates. This not only undermines transparency but also discourages citizens from seeking justice.

The lack of awareness compounds the problem. Victims often refrain from escalating matters through legal channels due to high costs and complexity. Experts argue that empowering law enforcement with better training, sufficient staffing, and independent investigative agencies is crucial. Simplifying processes and holding errant officials accountable could restore public trust.

Until systemic reforms are implemented, the common citizen’s pursuit of justice for minor crimes will remain a distant dream, overshadowed by inefficiencies and a lack of accountability in law enforcement.